The state sepak takraw team members and officials posing with coach Sura Matawangsang (third right) at the Kuching International Airport before departing for Thailand on Wednesday.
KUCHING: The Sarawak Sukma XVIII men’s sepak takraw team are now in Thailand for a three-week training and exposure stint.
This is part of their preparations in facing the challenge in the games to be hosted by Sarawak from July 22-31.
They are accompanied by Sarawak Sepak Takraw Association president Dato Sri Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki and his deputy Datuk Abang Ismail Abang Saufi.
“The exposure-training stint is to strengthen the mental toughness of our players so that they can face their opponents during real competition.
“I hope the (Bangkok) training will remove their nervous tinge when playing against their counterparts from other states,” said Khalid on efforts to consolidate match temperament.
He also hoped that Bangkok will hone the team’s skills and techniques.
According to Khalid, while in Thailand, the state players will also spar in some friendly games with the Thailand squad.
They will also be undergoing intensive fitness and mental training.