OVER TO YOU: Jabu receives an official invitation from Wan Adnan (left) extended to the state to participate in the upcoming Malaysia Games in Kuantan, Pahang. Also seen are (from right) Dr Rundi, Lee and Sukma 15th mascot ‘Tahan the elephant’.
KUCHING: Pahang Sukma XV officials stated that the change of rules and competition at the upcoming Sukma are decided by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
Thus, it was the prerogative of the OCM to decide on the ruling and age-limit matters while the Pahang Sukma secretariat merely follows directives.
Sarawak has suffered many setbacks in the preparation for Sukma XV as the rules and competition for several events are being changed as the games draws near.
A case in point was the age limit for Sukma XV rhythmic gymnastics which was abruptly changed from Under-21 to become an Under-15 affair.
This has caused the Sarawak contingent to lose certain medals in gymnastics.
“The OCM arranged and decides on the regulatory matters of the sports in Sukma. It is not our call,” informed Datuk Wan Adnan Wan Mamat who is heading a group of 14 Pahang Sukma XV officials who made a courtesy visit on Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang at his Wisma Bapa Malaysia office yesterday.
This sudden change in age limit has come as a big blow to Sarawak’s five Sukma-bound gymnasts aged between 16 and 18 years.
Nevertheless, Assistant Minister of Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin said yesterday that Sarawak will abide all the rules and will not challenge the decision.
He is confident that the young Sarawak gymnasts are up to the task given to them and will rise to the occasion.
“I am very honoured to have them (Pahang Sukma XV officials) visiting us here.
“This is a good sign of co-operation between Sarawak and Pahang as we shared a good long-time friendship with them,” he added.
The Pahang Sukma XV officials were on a tour throughout Malaysia.
Sarawak is their first stop in East-Malaysia and is also their second last before returning to Kuantan.
During a press conference after the meeting yesterday, the Pahang Sukma XV officials have proclaimed that they are not only aiming to become a good host but also to be the champion of the games.
They want the Pahang Sukma to be a memorable one for everyone.
“I am sure every state who joined and hosts the Sukma wants to become the champion.
“I can assure you that we deemed our target as a realistic one and we are going for it,” stressed Wan Adnan.