Ong says Sarawak nearing sports powerhouse status

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Welson Sim

KUCHING: The Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) is optimistic of Sarawak achieving its vision to become one of the sports powerhouses in the country.

SSC chief operating officer Dr Ong Kong Swee said this is possible after the excellent achievements by Sarawak athletes in international competitions.

One good example is swimmer Welson Sim who captured the gold medal in the 400m freestyle at the Mare Nostrum Tour Swimming Championship in Monaco last Sunday.

The 20-year old clocked 3mins 49.48s to break his own national record of 3mins 50.33s set in Singapore last year.

What made the victory sweeter for Sim was that he beat Olympic champion Mack Horton of Australia in the event.

Sim’s achievement received praise from the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who hailed his achievement on his Twitter account.

Ong also praised Sim for his achievement and said it was an achievement that he and all Sarawakians should be proud of especially that he is a Sarawakian.

“We are proud and happy for Sim because he has really done well. Moreover, this shows that Sarawak can achieve success in any sports,” he said.

Ong described Sarawak’s vision as a sports powerhouse is nearing its target now with the excellent performance by the state’s athletes.

“With a better performance, Sim may probably win a medal in the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan,” added Ong.

Ong, who is also the director of the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS), said this feat is not impossible as has been proven by diving diva Pandelela Rinong Pamg who has won bronze in the Olympics.

He is confident that with the discipline, commitment and hard work, Sim can achieve his dream.

“SSC and MSNS will continue to give morale support to Sarawak athletes who do well in their sports,” he said.