KUCHING: Former five times SEA Games champion Wong Tee Kue will be joining a total 83 veteran athletes taking part in the 31st Malaysian International Open Masters Athletics Championships (MIOMAC) to be held here at the Sarawak Stadium from July 22-13.
The Sarawak contingent which is the largest among a cast of international participants consist of 58 men and 25 women who will compete in the competition which is divided into 20 categories for both men and women.
Apart from Tee Kue who was the undefeated five times SEA Games champion in the hammerthrow event, there is also former national sprint king Watson Nyambek who is expected to dazzle the crowds with glimpses of his explosive start and powerful run in the 100m.
Tee Kue, who won five SEA Games gold and eight SEA Games medals in the 1990s was the undefeated national and SEA Games champion in the hammer event.
Other Sarawak athletes taking part include Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee who will take part in the throw event.
Also in the mix in the women section among the notable entrants are former State middle distance runner Choo Ngiik Hung, sprinter and long jumper Liana Liew Sze Kiuk as well as former national women hockey player Catherine Lambor.
According to Persatuan Olahraga Master Negeri Sarawak (POMSAR) secretary Ahmad Rosdzli Hashim. the meet will provide excitement and interest due to former greats like Watson or Tee Kue although not much is known of the foreign participants.
“We receive a good response from all over the Asian region with 800 participants with the registration already closed.
“As for Sarawak, there is an upsurge of interest to take part in this event which is a good sign as the meet is more of a social event to promote our State such as tourism,” said Ahmad.
Among the countries taking part are India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and the host state, Sarawak.
