BY MARTIN YEE
KUCHING: Sarawak Wushu Federation vice-president James Ting Ing Seek strongly supports the idea of Sarawak hosting the 34th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2027 if given the opportunity.
While Thailand will host the next Games in 2025, Brunei has declined its turn in 2027, potentially opening the door for Sarawak to step in as the host, pending approval from the Ministry of Sports, the Malaysian Sports Council, and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah recently suggested that Sarawak be given the hosting job.
This move could significantly boost the development of sports infrastructure and attract tourism to the region, added Abdul Karim, who is also Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
Ting believes that hosting the SEA Games in Sarawak would provide an international platform for various sports, including wushu, to shine.
With Sarawak aspiring to become a sports powerhouse, hosting the SEA Games could propel the state to the forefront of national-level sports.
While the final decision rests with the Ministry of Sports, the Malaysian Sports Council, and the OCM, Ting remains hopeful and optimistic about the opportunity.
He emphasised that Sarawak has a strong presence in wushu, consistently producing national-level athletes.
He hoped that the Malaysian Sports Council will continue to support the development of wushu in Sarawak.
Sarawak has a successful track record in wushu, consistently achieving medal-winning performances in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) competitions since its introduction in 2000.
While Sarawak did not secure any gold medals in the last Sukma held in Kuala Lumpur, they managed to win two silver and several bronze medals.
The disruptions caused by the pandemic, including cancelled training trips to China due to travel restrictions and lockdowns, were cited as factors contributing to the team’s performance.
Ting also highlighted that besides sports, hosting the SEA Games in Sarawak for the first time would boost tourism in the region.
“The Sarawak government had always hope for the state to become a sports powerhouse, and I hope the dream will come true with the staging of the SEA Games here.”
