KUCHING: Sarawak squash team are aiming to repeat their achievement in the 2016 Malaysian Games (SUKMA) by winning gold medals in the upcoming SUMKA games in Kuala Lumpur.
The winning of the gold mission is placed in the Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles events.
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) in a news report, squash head coach Allan Pete Soyza, said the target is seen as realistic by looking at the preparations and current performance of Sarawak athletes in the previous national championships.
“We are targeting a gold medal in the Women’s Doubles event through the combination of Ma Si Yi and Nathalie Sim Shu Eng or Mixed Doubles through Nathan Kueh Tze Bing and Ma Si.
“However, I am also relying on the pairing of Harith Danial Jefri and Nathalie Sim to contribute a medal,” he told UKAS at the Sarawak Squash Centre recently.
Allan said for this coming SUKMA, a total of four male and five female athletes will be to the fore and the preparations are going smoothly.
“In terms of opportunities, I see that Sarawak have the potential to bring home the gold medal provided they are able to adapt everything they have learned,” he said.
In addition, he hopes his team will be able to adapt to the cold temperature at the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre, which will be the main venue of the tournament.
Commenting on the challenges, Allan mentioned Sarawak will face fierce competition from states such as Kedah, Sabah, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Selangor, Perak and Penang.
The complete list of Sarawak SUKMA squash squad is Harith Danial Jefri, Nathan Kueh Tze Bing, Hi Jia Rong, Wong Lee Hong, Claudia Yong Bi Er, Eugenia David, Iris Chieng Shiao Yu, Ma Si Yi and Nathalie Sim Shu Eng.
Sarawak will participate in all events namely Men’s/Women’s individual, Men’s/Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
The squash event will take place Sept 17 to 23 at the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre and Jalan Duta KL Squash Centre.
