Karim (centre) and Henry (fourth left, second row) shout the Sarawak battle cry with the swimmers and officials at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre in Petra Jaya on Wednesday.
KUCHING: Sarawak’s preparations for the Sukma XIX in Perak have received the
thumbs up from Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“We are now in the final phase of training for all sports that we are involved in and we are fully prepared for it (Sukma),” Abdul Karim said after visiting the diving and swimming teams in training at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre in Petra Jaya on Wednesday.
“Our preparations had begun ever since the end of last Sukma where we have lined out our strategies and selected the best athletes.
“The athletes are not only trained in Sarawak but some of them were sent overseas for exposure so that they can improve and pose a stronger challenge,” he added.
The Asajaya assemblyman hoped that Sarawak contingent would be able to achieve the 77-gold medal target and win the Sukma overall championship this year.
“I hope the athletes will stay focused and committed in their respective events and give their very best in this Sukma.
On diving and swimming, Karim admitted that other states especially Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have been performing very well in both events.
“But I have full faith in the ‘warriors’ from Sarawak. We will give them a strong fight in Perak.
“In the next Sukma our young athletes will be more matured and there will be more medals for them,” added Karim.
Accompanying him during the visit was assistant chef-de-mission for swimming and diving Dato Henry Harry Jinep who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman.