Muhammad Kautsar Untong
KUCHING: Another softballer from Sarawak Muhammad Kautsar Untong has been called up by the Malaysian Softball Association for national selection to prepare for the Asia Men’s Softball Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia from April 23 to 28.
Kautsar, an utility player from Kuching, is among the 30 players who will undergo the national selection at SMK Saujana Impian, Kajang from March 16 to 18.
This has brought the number of players from Sarawak called up for national selection to two, the other being Nadia Chin who will be vying for a place in the national team for the 7th Asian Junior Women’s U19 Softball Championship in Clark City, Philippines on May 12-18.
They were called up for selection based on their good performance in the National Open last year.
Kautsar started playing softball when he was 15 and studying at SMK Green Road where he was introduced to the game by teacher Juraimie Junaidi.
“I started playing for the Hornet Softball Club and was the captain of the school team. I had the opportunity to play for more than one team such as Gypsies, Mohawks, Spartans and I am currently playing for Tsumani.
“I was coached by Manuel Bacarisas when I was in the Sukma 2011 and 2013 teams. Under teacher Juraimie and coach Manuel, I improved my skills and the support from my family and friends has helped me to become a better and active softballer,” he said.
Kautsar has participated in the Sarawak Open for four times, Sabah Open and National Open for two years apart from the Sukma outings in Kuala Lumpur.
Sarawak Softball Association (SSA) Ishak Chin Abdullah said he was happy that two players were called up for national selection this year.
“Since SSA was formed in 2011 and joined the Malaysia Softball Association as an affiliate, we have nominated and sent Greg Pengiran Mutang, Watson Payrie, Andrea Beli, Haifa Chin and now Nadia and Kautsar for national selection.
“Watson and Haifa were selected for the Singapore SEA Games in 2015,” said Ishak.
“It is through the producing of all these elite players that motivates us in SSA to continue striving on under many challenges especially in the financial aspect,” he added.
Ishak expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the people and coaches who had contributed to the success in producing good calibre players for the national teams.