Sarawak face daunting task in Sukma bowling title defence — Lu

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File photo of a Sarawakian bowler competing at the Sukma Perak in 2018.

KUCHING: Sarawak are facing an uphill task to defend its overall championship crown in tenpin bowling in the 20th Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Johor.

The Games were set to run on July 11-19, but was officially postponed on Wednesday due to the Covid-19.

The team, managed by Robert Lu captured seven gold, two silver and two bronze medals to emerge as the overall champions in Sukma Perak two years ago.

Robert Lu

Lu, who is Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak (Abas) vice president, said Abas is setting a conservative target this time around.

“Yes, we did well in Perak. We also aware that we are facing an uphill task to retain the Sukma overall champion title.

“We are targeting to win three gold medals in this Sukma. The rules may have changed to our disadvantage but we will fight to the end,” he vowed.

Lu, who also assists in coaching the state bowlers, said it would not be a problem for Sarawak to finish among the top five teams.

“Kuala Lumpur are very strong and the favourites to win the overall crown. The Sabah girls are strong and the rest of the teams like Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan cannot be taken lightly.

“Host Johor can spring a surprise too,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Lu fully supported the decision to postpone Sukma Johor.

“I welcome the idea that Sukma XX be postponed until it is 100 per cent safe to send our athletes to Johor. It can be in 2021 or 2022 if not totally resolved. It is all about people’s lives at stake,” he said.

According to him, the state bowlers are training as usual and are doing it at home during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

“It is a good thing knowing that the athletes sometimes do not have enough of strength training before all this (Covid-19) happened,” he pointed out.

On behalf of Abas, Lu took the opportunity to thank the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) for their continuous support.

“They are always in constant contact with all sports associations on the welfare of the athletes.

“Our president Sunny Si has also given instructions for the athletes and officials to stay at home and be safe.

“At the same time, it is a good time for them to ponder and focus on what they are supposed to train at home.

“When all this ends, we will come out stronger.

“From me to everybody out there, ‘home is where the heart is and a safe haven’.

“And to the frontliners, you are our heroes. Stay safe,” added Lu.