KUCHING: Sarawak will be well represented at the 47th SEA Age Group Aquatics Championships as seven of its young water polo players don the national colours in Singapore this week.
The competition, from Jun 19 to 22 at the OCBC Aquatic Centre, will see Malaysia’s junior water polo squad vying for a podium finish against some of the best emerging teams in Southeast Asia.
Sarawak’s contingent includes Julius Abbas, Casper Tan, Bryan Lee, Presley Phang, Ong Zong Lian, Samuel Chong, and Sara Tham, with six boys and one girl selected for the national team.
All seven players trained under Sarawak water polo coach Voon Yong Hui, who is currently in Singapore with the national squad.
Voon, a key figure in developing water polo in the state, expressed hope that the team can rise to the occasion.
“We’re targeting a podium finish and with the dedication these young players have shown, we hope we can make it,” Voon told Sarawak Tribune when contacted yesterday (Jun 18).
The national team’s participation was also highlighted on the Malaysia Aquatics official Facebook page, which praised the athletes’ fighting spirit.
“Our water polo warriors are locked in and ready to charge into battle at the 47th SEA Age Group Aquatics Championships.
“Whether it’s charging down the pool or defending the goal with pride, these young athletes are fired up to fight for the flag and make Malaysia proud,” the post read.
The SEA Age Group Aquatics Championships is a crucial platform for nurturing regional talent in swimming, artistic swimming, diving, and water polo.
For Sarawak’s young athletes, it’s not only a chance to shine internationally but also to bring pride to their home state.
