Nyam (second right) poses with the state team and officials after the prize presentation.
KUCHING: Sarawak’s judokas have gained valuable experience at the 52nd National Judo Championship in Pulau Pinang recently.
Although they did not manage to capture any gold medal, team manager Nyam Sze Yeung is happy with the five-medal haul comprising two silvers and three bronzes.
Sukma XVI exponent Andrew Sia picked up a silver after losing to Mohd Ruzaini from Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School in the men’s 100kg and above category.
Senior exponent Mohd Jeffery delivered the other silver medal in the men’s 100kg and below category.
The bronze medals contributors were Sukma 2011 gold medallist Brenton Sim (men’s below 81kg), Lai Lei Wei (men’s 60kg and below) and Samuel Sia (men’s 100kg and above).
“We had expected this competition to be tough for our exponents because they are up against senior and national judokas,” said Nyam.
“However, I am very pleased with the performance of our exponents who had managed to win medals,” he said.
According to Nyam, Andrew and his brother Samuel and Lai are still eligible for Sukma XVIII in Kuala Lumpur and they are capable of winning medals for the state contingent.
“The national meet is a very good platform for Andrew, Samuel and Lai to gain exposure in preparation for next year’s Sukma,” said Nyam who is confident they would be able to do better then.
He is also pleased with Samuel’s performance and is confident he can go further with more training and exposure.
Andrew, Brenton and Samuel are now in the national back-up squad.