Sarawak ready for Sukma XV

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Frederick Tan

KUCHING: The state contingent for Sukma XV are ready for the challenge and can now be considered genuine title contender after playing bridesmaid and languishing in mid-table mediocrity recent Malaysia Games.

According to Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) assistant director Fredrick Tan, the athletes are definitely mentally and physically ready for the games. He believes that the strategic plans of MSNS will bear fruits at Sukma XV in Pahang this coming July.

“At the rate we are going, I am pleased with what I see and we are on the right footing. We have been monitoring our athletes closely and so far it looks like that we can achieve our Sukma XV targets,” a confident Tan told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Tan added that by doing thorough inspection on the Sukma bound athletes, the MSNS is able to keep track on their performances.

“Nevertheless, I have always reminded the athletes that they must maintain good communication with sports officials and coaches. Apart from communication, good working and cooperative environment is a vital key to success in sports. MSNS officials along with athletes must know that a good harmonious atmosphere is the best ingredient in preparation for competitions,” Tan said.

Taking an example of the state weightlifting team, Tan was glad that the athletes understood the priority and importance of Sukma XV. The state weightlifting team have sacrificed their Gawai holidays recently just to focus on their intensive training.

“If you want to achieve something great, then you must make sacrifices. It is important to evaluate your chances and with that you can be a winner,” said Tan who is also a renowned sports motivator.

After a stint with the National Sports Council, Tan admitted it had improved his knowledge of sports administration and science, thus giving him valuable experience. He wants to share his knowledge with the state athletes as he wants Sarawak to not only excel in Sukma, but also to be a respected sports powerhouse in Malaysia.

He was also grateful for the support given from the parents of the state’s athletes. For without their support, the athletes might not possess the much needed self believe and the drive to win.

“We cannot expect overnight results. We must know that only through hard work that we achieve success,” continued Tan.

At the end of his interview with The Borneo Post yesterday, he also pointed out that the top state officials involved in sports are doing their best for the state as all of them are working hard to ensure Sarawak adds another illustrious chapter to the state’s sports glory.

Pahang will host 24 (compulsory) sports with 377 events this Malaysia Games. There will be 1,207 medals up for grabs.

Sarawak will be sending a strong contingent of 376 athletes together with 490 officials to Pahang. The state is targeting 47 gold medals.