Rahman (centre) with Wilbur (second left) and other officials during their recent visit to Thailand.
KUCHING: Sarawak Boxing Association (Saba) has successfully obtained an experienced Filipino coach to train state boxers for this year’s Sukma.
He is Wilbur Andogan who is now working with state coach Fred Mandagi.
Wilbur had previously trained boxers in Thailand.
“I believe he can help Sarawak do better than we did during the previous Sukma in Perlis. We are serious about winning gold medals for the state this year,” said Saba president Datuk Rahman Lariwoo.
The state boxers managed to win only one gold and two bronze medals at the 2014 Sukma.
Rahman also revealed that he visited Thailand and Philippines recently to check on boxing facilities there.
“Sarawak can definitely learn a lot from for these two neighbouring countries. Their boxing development can be an example for us to learn from,” he said.
The association is now planning to send state boxers to these two countries for training and exposure.
Apart from Sukma, the state team is also preparing for other national and international tournaments.