The Women’s Open champions seen with Ong (second left), Dedia (right) and guests. — Photos by Chai Chang Yu
The Men’s Open champions pose with Ong (second left) and (from left) Ahmad Rodzli, Ong, Saba chairman Aaron Tay Kok Tung, Chin and Dedia
KUCHING: The Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) has encouraged state sports associations to organise competitions as part of preparations for the 20th Sukma.
SSC chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee said competitions are vital to assess the performance and achievement of Sukma athletes.
“We are hoping that more competitions can be organised so that the performance of the athletes can be gauged.
“As such, we are hoping that the sports associations involved in Sukma XX can at least organise a competition every month or once in every two weeks,” he said when met at the SSC 1-3-2-1 Basketball Tournament at the Sarawak Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya last Sunday.
“If they only train and not take part in competitions, we are unable to assess their performance, so competitions are necessary,” said Ong who is also Sarawak State Sports Council director.
He said, if possible, competitions can be organised at district, divisional or state level so that we can identify the weaknesses and improve on the strengths as well as devise strategies and tactics to uplift their capabilities.
He also reminded the associations and organisers to always adhere strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the training as well as competitions.
The 1-3-2-1 tournament, which basically a 3-On-3 competition, will also be organised in other divisions to give Sukma players competition exposure while unearthing new talents.
Meanwhile, S3 Raiders staved off a spirited challenge from Tay Motors Y to win 3-1 (11-7, 9-6, 9-13, 11-7) to win the Men’s Open final while The Orcas beat Lord Tiger A 3-0 in the final league match to stay unbeaten in the five-team Women’s Open.
The champions pocketed RM800 each.
In the Boys U17 final, which was an all-Chung Hua Middle School (CHMS) No. 3 affair, the B team emerged victorious 3-1 (6-4, 8-4, 5-7, 5-2) over the A team.
The inaugural tournament attracted 32 teams with 14 teams in the Men’s Open and 13 teams in the Boys U17 category.
Prizes were given away by Ong, SSC sports development division manager Ahmad Rodzli Hashim and Sarawak Amateur Basketball Association (Saba) president Leong Nyuk Onn.
Also present were the sponsor OHS Motors Sdn Bhd director Chin Tzin Shin and SSC Invasion Sports unit head Dedia Sarini Ahmad.