MIRI: Johor, the overall champions of the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) 2022, are bracing for fierce competition.
The Southern Tigers are determined to maintain their winning streak, despite acknowledging the challenges ahead.
Johor Bahru City Council Mayor, cum deputy chef de mission I Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman expressed confidence in the team’s preparations but admitted that this year’s contest would be more challenging.
“Johor will do their best even as the defending champions, but we know this time it won’t be easy,” he said yesterday (Aug 13) arriving at Miri Airport.
“We come to Sarawak with a high fighting spirit,” he said.
Mohd Noorazam, accompanied by 34 athletes and six officials, emphasised the team’s collective determination to secure as many gold medals as possible.
Johor are targeting 15 gold medals across seven sports, including karate, fencing, sailing, pencak silat, rugby, and softball.
Abdul Aziz Othman, the head of Johor’s men’s softball team, highlighted the team’s rigorous preparations, which began at the end of last year.
“We expect stiff competition from Perak to get the gold,” he said.
