KUCHING: Sarawak’s fencing squad’s preparations for Sukma XVIII in Kuala Lumpur next year will receive a big boost when the state secures the services of a coach from Indonesia.
Sunardi, 65, from Mempawah, West Kalimantan, was in Sibu last week to assist in the selection of fencers for the state Sukma shadow team at SMK Sibu Jaya.
When interviewed on Wednesday, Sunardi said he had agreed to coach the state fencers and was only waiting for the official contract from the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS).
“As far as I am concerned, I have already been in early discussion with MSNS and if all goes well, I shall start coaching on November 7,” he said.
According to Sunardi, his primary focus is help Sarawak win medals in the next Sukma and that could be achieved through ample training starting from now onwards.
Seeing that the skills of the fencers here are still below par, Sunardi said it would be a big challenge for him to help Sarawak win medals.
Sunardi has over 32 years of coaching experience and has trained Indonesian fencers for national and international fencing competitions.
Under his guidance, the Indonesian national squad captured a bronze medal at the Philippines SEA Games in 2005 through the women’s foil event.
He has also coached the Negeri Sembilan Sukma squad in 2008 and 2011 and helped them win medals.
Sunardi is currently coaching at the Mempawah fencing school which has 45 trainees aged between nine and 30.
“I have plans to bring Sarawak fencers for training in Mempawah from January to February next year,” he disclosed.
“While there, they will have the chance to gain competition exposure in Probolingo, East Jawa by competing against the best fencers in Indonesia,” he added.