File photo of Wong Tee Kue who won the gold in the hammer throw five times during the SEA Games from 1991 to 2001.
KUCHING: Five-time SEA Games hammer throw champion Wong Tee Kue and Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee are among the 83 veteran athletes to represent Sarawak at the 31st Malaysian International Open Masters Athletics Championships (Miomac) at the Sarawak Stadium from July 22 to 23.
The Sarawak contingent, which makes up the largest among a cast of international competitors, comprised 58 men and 25 women.
The championships feature 20 age categories for men and women.
Tee Kue will be joining former national sprint king Watson Nyambek who is expected to dazzle the crowds with glimpses of his explosive start and powerful run in the 100m.
Dr Ong will be taking part in the throws.
Also in the mix in the women section are former state athletes – middle distance runner Choo Ngiik Hung and sprinter-cum-long jumper Liana Liew Sze Kiuk – as well as former national women hockey player Catherine Lambor.
Persatuan Olahraga Master Negeri Sarawak (Pomsar) secretary Ahmad Rodzli Hashim has promised that the meet will provide much excitement and interest among spectators especially with the entry of former greats like Watson and Tee Kue.
“We received a good response from all over the Asian region with 800 participants with the registration already closed.
“As for Sarawak, there is an upsurge of interest to take part in this event which is a good sign as the meet is more of a social event to promote our State such as tourism,” said Ahmad.
Among the countries taking part are India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore while veterans from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah will also be present.