KUCHING: Sarawak’s para archery athletes are undergoing intensive training for the 2024 Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
The team, which include experienced and fresh faces, is determined to make their mark and secure medals for the state.
One of the archers, Dang Ratna Dewi, expressed her optimism for the team’s success.
“We have been training six days a week, and I hope that my team bring home a gold medal,” she said.
As for Gillbelson Alvin, a newcomer from Kapit, he will be making his debut in the sport.
Having been introduced to archery in February this year, Gillbelson has been training intensely over the past month.
“I’m not expecting much from this competition, but I’m aiming to give my best. Hopefully, in two years, I can compete again,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nur Ezzatul Farishah, who will represent Sarawak in the 70m women’s recurve event, is confident about her preparation.
“I’ve been training from Monday to Saturday, and I believe I’ve reached my goals. God willing, I’ll do my best for Sarawak and hope to bring a victory for the state,” she said.
Team coach Razmi Amit has been supervising their rigorous training sessions at Lapang Sasar, Petra Jaya.
He said the team have also been doing intensive training in Kuching for a month now.
“Based on the team’s performance, we are targeting at least one medal from the women’s recurve event,” he said.
While the team faced challenges with limited preparation time during the 2022 SUKMA, Razmi is optimistic that the current training schedule will lead to better results.
The 2024 Para SUKMA, set to take place from Sept 22 to 28, will be held across various locations in Kuching.
The sports to be featured include athletics, swimming, badminton, table tennis, tenpin bowling, lawn bowls, chess, powerlifting, archery, and boccia.
A total of 15 contingents from 13 states and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan will participate in the Games.
