SRI AMAN: Three schools in Saratok and Sri Aman have been identified with potential young boxing talents as well as capable of producing boxers for Sarawak in future.
A spokesman who is also Sarawak’s professional boxer, Daeloniel McDelon, 20, said the boxing clinic tour to Saratok, Betong and Sri Aman have gone on smoothly.
“The quest for new potential talents will continue in future.
“In July, similar clinics are planned to be held at Tatau, Kapit and Asajaya and will be back here for the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) and the Sarawak Boxing Association (SABA) next quest — looking for boxing coaches in the state,” he said.
“It is a good avenue to select athletes to participate in the Malaysian Games (Sukma) 2020 besides the mission to increase the number of existing boxing athletes so that in every tournament organised the atmosphere will be merrier,” he said when asked by Suara Sarawak tabloid after the end of a boxing clinic in Sri Aman recently.
He believed that Sarawak has a lot of hidden boxing talents waiting to be discovered.
During the tour, Daeloniel, together with MSNS boxing sports coordinator Arrolflyn Elvis Slie, Sarawak elite trainer Wilbur Andogan and Sukma 2018 bronze medallist Christyuden Ripoh were given a good response by Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Saratok, SMK Sri Aman and SMK Simanggang.
“At a boxing centre in Saratok which is run by teacher Joseph Harry, the clinic was attended by 11 athletes aged between 13 to 17 years old. In Sri Aman, 46 boys and girls athletes have shown their keen interest in boxing while from
SMK Sri Aman and SMK Simanggang the response was also very impressive.
“We are quite overwhelmed and happy with the support from the schools and parents. Moreover, the Sri Aman Boxing Centre is expecting our arrival again in July,” he said.
Meanwhile, the clinic was divided into morning and afternoon sessions. In the morning it focused on fitness training, strength and endurance while the afternoon and evening sessions emphasised on the technical, tactical aspects and match demonstrations.
However, he was a bit disappointed in Betong due to the poor response and the group only visited the boxing training centre at Betong Sports Complex.
Nevertheless, Daeloniel, who himself hails from Betong, called for cooperation from the schools, parents and elected representatives there to develop boxing and unearth young talents in the division.
