KUCHING: The Sarawak Silambam Association is targeting two gold, two silver, and two bronze medals for the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
Team manager Sivanesan Sanmugalingam said achieving this target would be a proud
accomplishment.“This is a new sport in the Games, and we aim for good results. If we can secure all six medals, it will show a 600 per cent improvement as this is the first time the sport is included in Sukma,” he told reporters after a courtesy call on Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah at the Baitulmakmur II Building here today (Aug 2).
Fatimah expressed confidence in the Silambam athletes’ ability to achieve their target.
“The most important thing is the mindset of a champion. Regardless of the obstacles, a champion never gives up,” she said.
“Looking at the coaches’ and athletes’ journey in this sport, we believe nothing is impossible.”
Reflecting on the association’s first courtesy call, Fatimah noted the absence of permanent coaches back then.
“But now, we see significant improvement since 2013, with three committed and permanent coaches training athletes in the state,” she said.
“This is a new sport, so coaches are crucial to ensure athletes are well-trained.”
Sarawak will be represented by 18 Silambam athletes, nine men and nine women.
