KUCHING: Sarawak judo is experiencing a surge in progress, supported by increased exposure to international and local competitions, as well as enhanced support from the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and the newly appointed president of the Sarawak Judo Association (SJA).
In the Sukma Games held in Kuala Lumpur in 2022, Sarawak judokas demonstrated significant strides by winning three medals — three silver and one bronze.
This marked a significant improvement compared to the previous Sukma competitions, where they had only secured one bronze in Sukma 2018 in Perak. The event did not feature in Sukma 2016 in Sarawak.
The recent success in various competitions, including the March 11-12 Perak Junior Open Championships (three gold, six silver, four bronze) and the March 3-4 International Invitation Tournament in Hong Kong (two silver), further showcased Sarawak’s potential in the sport.
SJA secretary Nyam Sze Yuang acknowledged the positive trajectory of Sarawak judo, attributing it to factors such as the engagement of coach Wang Hui Ting from Taiwan, who had a positive impact not only on the women’s team but also
the men’s.
Additionally, the support and guidance of the new SJA president, Dato Sri Lau Kueng Chai, who also leads the Sarawak Taekwondo Association, has played a crucial role in the sport’s revival.
“Since the MCO, we continued to train on our own and also we set up dojos and also recruited four coaches with former state judoka Anderson Venus taking charge of Sibu while I myself look after the 7th Mile club.
“Last year, we took part in the Thailand tournament and this year, we went to the Hong Kong tournament in April after the MCO was cleared.
“Next month, we will be sending a nine-member squad consisting of two officials and seven judokas to the Taipei Judo Open from July 1-2, followed by the National Junior Open in Johor Bahru in August.
“Apart from the new clubs, we also have new members, including children, joining training, which is a very good sign for the future of judo,” said Nyam.
Their aim for the Sukma Games in 2024, to be held in Sarawak, is to secure two gold medals along with several silver and bronze.
The current list of judokas being considered for the Games includes Abrienda Chang Pei Xi, Cheryl Chai, Choo Yaw Fan, Geraldine Chung Sze Le, Leng Ko Jia and Tan Xin Hung.
