KUCHING: After the conclusion of the Borneo Championship Sarawak Muaythai Charity Challenge tournament last Sunday, Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) deputy director Fredrick Tan commented that he was confident that the state can excel in the sport which will be contested for the first time in the Malaysia Games next year (Sukma XVI Kuala Lumpur).
According to him, MSNS have already begun its planning for the state’s Sukma XVI participation in the event. Last Saturday he revealed that the MSNS is scouting for potential athletes to represent the state.
“We have sent officials on scouting duties there during the tournament which was held at the Kuching Youth and Sports Complex. So far, the feedback has been encouraging,” he added.
He also pointed out that the state is really serious in participating at the muaythai event as he sees a potential gold medal prospect in the sport. He believes Sarawak have the infrastructures to produce good muaythai athletes for the state.
“Before we sent them, the potential muaythai athletes need to be tested first. They need to be tested not only physically but mentally as well,” he said.
Fredrick continued that he plans to play a vital role in the athletes’ mental preparations. According to him, that is his area of specialty.
“Contrary to popular belief, mental toughness is very different from the typical mental training. It is a test of both body and mind of the athlete, especially in combat sports,” he commented.
Admitting that muaythai mental training approach is a little bit different in its preparation, Fredrick commented that it should not be a problem. He has worked with world-class athletes before from various sports like badminton, hockey and tenpin bowling and the results came out great.
Acknowledging that the sports of muaythai are dominated by men, Fredrick is also looking for women fighters as well. According to him with the right training and preparations, anything is possible.
At the end of the interview, Fredrick on behalf of the MSNS thanked the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development, Youth and Sports Department (Sarawak branch) and Kuching Muaythai Association in their effort of organising the Borneo Championship Sarawak Muaythai Charity Challenge. The competition is a useful platform for the selection of potential athletes.