SRI AMAN: Bandar Simanggang is all set to host the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXI Sarawak 2024 boxing event which will take place from Aug 16 to 23 at the Indoor Stadium, Sri Aman Sports Complex.
According to Sri Aman SUKMA XXI organising comittee chairman Mahra Salleh, Bandar Simanggang is very fortunate to have been personally selected by the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as the venue for the boxing event following the success and overwhelming support of the people of Sri Aman for the Sarawak Open Boxing Championship last year.
“This is a great honour, as the last time Bandar Simanggang was chosen as a SUKMA venue was 34 years ago for the pencak silat competition. This time, we are ready to ensure that this edition of SUKMA will be the best,” he said while inspecting the progress of venue improvements at the Sri Aman Indoor Stadium yesterday (July 25).
Mahra, who is also the Sri Aman Resident, added that preparations for the competition venue have been running smoothly, with both the interior and exterior facilities of the stadium having been upgraded according to the planned schedule.
He said all facilities have met the required standards, achieving over 95 per cent readiness.
“So, Sri Aman is now ready to host a new era of world-class boxing competitions and can organise not only national-level sports events but also international-level events.
“This was proven at the last Sarawak Open Championship when the Sri Aman Indoor Stadium also served as the venue for several boxing matches organised by the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF).
“Our preparations have reached the final stage, with only 23 days left before SUKMA.
“We are confident that all facilities, venues, the sports village at Hotel Seri Simanggang and Hotel BME, as well as safety and volunteer aspects, are fully ready for the competition days,” he added.
He also hoped that Sarawakian boxers will be able to emulate the achievements of Sri Aman-born boxer Daeloniel McDelon Bong, or more affectionately known as ‘Kilat Boy’ who once contributed a gold medal to the Sarawak contingent in the featherweight 54-57 kilogramme category at SUKMA 2022 and has now transitioned into a professional boxer.
