players in the Sarawak back-up team have been selected to the national team for the Junior World Cup to be held in Iran next month.
They are Mohd Azrey Roslan from Kota Samarahan and Wishal Waridi Hilmi Ashaari fom Petra Jaya.
The duo attended a national selection early this month and are now undergoing centralised training in Puchong.
Azrey (left) and Wishal at the Kuching International Airport before leaving for Puchong.
Azrey, a state junior back-up player since 2017, has played for the Sarawak senior squad several times. He was a member of the state team which finished runners-up in the Rebornz tournament in June.
15-year old Wishal, who studies at SMK Matang Jaya, was a junior silat athlete before switching to kabaddi.
The son of former state silat athlete Helmi Ashaari Muhamat has been a member of the state kabaddi junior back-up team since last year.
No one was prouder of this development than Sarawak junior head coach Palani Andi and his assistant Anbarasu.
“This is the first time that our junior boys have been called up for selection and they have been selected to don the national colours.
“The boys did very well during the selection and although they are playing in a world junior meet, it will be quite tough.
“However, it will be a very good experience and exposure for the duo and their teammates from other states as many teams from Europe, Africa and Asia are participating,” said Palani.
He is hoping that Malaysia will make it to the second round.
“I would also like to thank the parents of the boys for their support in sending them to the selection and the Junior World Cup,” added Palani.