MIRI: Action plans are already been carried out to prepare Sarawak archers to strike gold medals not only in next year’s Sukma (Malaysia Games) but also up to Sukma 2016.
“We have taken proactive measures to build a strong archery team especially in view of Sarawak playing host to Sukma XVIII in 2016,” state chief coach Abdul Razak Yaacob said to The Borneo Post at the closing ceremony of Archery Medallion Target Camp for Sukma 2014-2016 yesterday.
The camp, hosted for the first time by Sarawak Sports Council (MSNS) and assisted by the National Sport Institute, was held at Petronas Sport Village from Dec 9-17.
The 9-days camp was participated by a total of 30 young archers from Miri, Limbang, Sarikei, Bintulu and Kuching. The camp programme included such aspects as physical fitness, sports psychology and nutrition.
The camp also served as a platform to select archers to represent the state for Sukma 2014 which will be held in Perlis.
20 archers have been identified to join the Sukma 2014 shadow squad.
Abdul Razak, who has been in coaching for more than two decades, revealed that the shadow squad will undergo a 6-month intensive training programme based in Miri from Jan 15, 2014.
Meanwhile, MSNS Northern Region deputy director Gloria James Juat said the current camp was also an ice-breaker among the athletes from the different divisions and helped to strengthen ties to build a strong archer team.
“We aim to build strong squad of apprentices in the sport for Sarawak and to produce national athletes for the Olympic Games,” she added.