Lariwoo (fourth left) presenting the state colours to Azli (eighth left) as SABA officials, coaches and boxers look on
KUCHING: The Sarawak Boxing Association (Saba) will be sending all their Sukma trainees to the National Youth Boxing Championship at Dataran Senawang, Paroi, Negeri Sembilan from Oct 5-10.
Saba president Dato Rahman Lariwoo said this would be the first exposure stint for the eight boxers who will compete in nine categories at the championship.
The eight boxers are Ayu Azzizi (49kg), Alexson Tiong (52kg), As Sufi Azli (56kg), Darith Darianja Muiim (64kg), Ahmad Amirulfadzli Pendi (60kg), Mustaza Sidi (69kg), Ismail Arwan (75kg) and Naim Bakri Muhammadie (81kg).
They will be accompanied by team manager Azli Karim, head coach Fred Mandagi and his assistants Thiong Tien Long and Azmi Karim.
“We are not placing too much hopes on them to secure medals as the main aim is to provide them with exposure.
“However, based on the excellent performances at the recent Golden Gloves Championship, some of the boxers are expected to bring home medals,” said Lariwoo after presenting the state colours to the state boxing team on Friday.
He said some of the boxers had the potential to shine at the national youth meet as they were able to defeat national boxers.
Lariwoo said Saba will ensure that the boxers will continue to undergo intensive training and be sent for overseas stints.
“We are aiming to send them for training in Indonesia, Thailand or Philippines.”