SIBU: Sarawak Taekwondo Global Association (SGTA) is aiming to contribute medals to the state at the national-level Under-21 Martial Arts Championship hosted by Perak from July 22-27.
BRING GLORY TO SARAWAK: Abu Seman (third right) presents sponsorship to the coach of SGTA, Ahmad Zaini, while the Perak-bound SGTA exponents look on.
“SGTA contributed two bronze medals at last year’s event in Kedah with Sarawak emerging in fourth placing in that championship.
“We are aiming for gold or at least silver this time around,” said SGTA team manager Abang Ahmad Abang Fauzan.
Apart from SGTA, the state will be represented by exponents from Persatuan Silat Gayung Malaysia, Shito-Ryu Karate-do, International Taekwondo Federation and Wushu at the meet.
“We are sending 10 exponents consisting of six girls and four boys. They will compete in four categories – individual sparring, individual pattern, mixed pattern and doubles pattern events.
“The exponents are Noor Shafizza Yusuf, Raden Nur Liyantie Raden Budiman, Nur Aliaa Mohamad, Juliette Emah Jali, Fernandez Carlcym Kassim, Nor Izzah marzuki, Mohd Fakhrul Furqan, Muhammad Nazhan Borhan, Muhammad Iman Mostaffa and Nur Hikmah Mostaffa,” informed Ahmad.
Of the ten exponents, Noor Shafizza, Juliette and Nor Izzah saw action in previous national-level taekwondo meet while the rest are season campaigners in various competitions in Borneo.
The exponents have undergone a month-long training to condition themselves mentally and physically for the championship.
The SGTA squad yesterday received sponsorship from political secretary to the Chief Minister Abu Seman Jahwie.
At the simple sponsorship presentation ceremony, Abu Seman reminded the exponents to give their best at the championship and to always remember to uphold strict discipline.
The SGTA squad leaves for Kuala Lumpur, enroute to Perak, today.