Dr Abang Ismail Abang Julhi
KUCHING: Sarawak can expect a medal or two in handball in this year’s Sukma XIX in Perak in September.
Preparations have included the setting up of three centres for decentralised training in Kuching, Kapit and Miri last month.
Players are exposed in tournaments leading to the selection of the State shadow team recently with 12 boys and 12 girls.
The second phase of training from end February until July will see players gaining further exposure and a competive edge in the Sarawak Open, Selangor Open and Perlis Open.
The third and final phase in August will be intensive training for the final squad.
The on-going 13th edition of the Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg or CM Cup 2018 for the men and Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi Cup for the women’s category at the Sarawak Indoor Stadium from Mar 19 to 22 is the biggest tournament in the state.
A total of 32 teams – 20 teams for the men and 12 teams for the women – including teams from Selangor and Sabah are taking part.
The local teams are from Bintulu, Miri, Sibu, Kuching and Samarahan.
A seminar for coaches and officials was organised from Jan 29-31 to upgrade their technical knowledge and raise general awareness of the sport.
Sarawak Handball Association (SAHA) secretary Dr Abang Ismail Abang Julhi describes the profile of handball as “quite active” in the state.
It is played all over Sarawak especially in Miri.
Three qualified coaches oversee the centres in Kuching, Kapit and Miri.
“Based on last year’s outings in tournaments such as the Sabah Open, our senior boys managed to win a silver while the back-up players got the bronze medal.
“We are hopeful to win medals in the coming Sukma but of what colour I might not be sure as it will be based on our performances in the tournament, “ said Abang Ismail.