Abdul Karim (third row, centre) with Snowdan (Karim’s right), Sukma-bound athletes and officials rally to their battle cry during the 50 Days Countdown event to the 19th Sukma at Mydin Vista Tunku in Petra Jaya here yesterday. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Athletes representing Sarawak in the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) must be fully prepared, physically and mentally, to excel.
In stressing this, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said there will be no “passengers” in the Sarawak contingent making the trip to Perak for the 19th edition of Sukma from Sept 12 to 22.
“If there are athletes who feel that they are not ready, I would like to advise them to withdraw themselves from the team because we don’t want to bring ‘passengers’ to Perak as this not only wastes money but also time.
“We don’t want to win with the largest contingent but we want to pick up the most gold medals because the state government is spending a lot of money in Sukma.
“That is our hope and I want to see full commitment from all our athletes in bringing Sarawak towards winning as the Sukma champion in Perak,” he said when officiating the Perak Sukma 50 Days Countdown at Mydin Vista Tunku in Petra Jaya here yesterday.
In no mood to mince words, he warned that athletes, officials, coaches as well as the Chef de Mission may also be put on the next flight home if they are caught breaking the rules during the games.
“We don’t want any fights, stealing or even indecent acts involving our Sarawak contingent.
“What we want is to bring the glory of being the champion back to Sarawak because this is the hope and dream of everyone here in the state,” he remarked.
Sarawak may well be entering the Games with the largest contingent of around 700 athletes and officials.
The state athletes will compete in all 29 sports in their mission to emerge as champions in Perak.
It has been 26 years since Sarawak last became the
champion in the 1994 Sukma, which was coincidentally held in Perak as well.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who is also the chef de mission; Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee and Sarawak Sports Council director Dr Ong Kong Swee, both of whom will be serving as deputy chefs de mission.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to hand over the state flag to the contingent before they depart for Perak.