KUCHING: Two delegations representing the state are set to fly to South Korea for the 15th World Horseback Archery Championships and 2019 World Martial Arts Masterships. They consist of Sarawak Dayak Martial Arts Association (SDMAA) and Kelab Memanah Berkuda Merpati Jepang (KPBMJ). Their chef de mission Rick Hanson Ngumbang told pressmen when interviewed that the delegates consisting of 20 people will be in South Korea from Aug 28 until Sept 8.
“This is the first time that Sarawak is competing in the competition at international level, we are privileged and happy to represent Malaysia. “Being the first time for us to compete at this level, we are not setting any targets but we hope to bring something home,” he said.
Rick revealed that besides competing in the tournament, the delegations are set to p ro m o t e Sarawak during their time there. “We will ask for the martial arts union (in South Korea) for them to convene their annual event in Sarawak.
“Our suggestion is that they do it at the Sarawak Cultural Village, where all the countries will come here and compete. “We are confident of our prospects,” added Rick. Present to officiate at the flag-off ceremony at Kuching International Airport here yesterday was Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
Also present were Political Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Richard Rapu, KPBMJ vice-president and SDMAA advisory panel member Datuk Sia Siow Joo and Sarawak Economic Development Council deputy general manager Edwin Abit.