KUCHING: Sarawak’s athletics squad, guided by head coach, Lim Teck Leong, and packed with national record holders and emerging stars, is ready to leave its mark at the Borneo Games 2025.
He told Sarawak Tribune when met today at the Sarawak Sports Village that the team is nearly fully prepared, with training underway since the beginning of the year.
“We are about 95 per cent ready. We are just waiting for a few athletes from the national team to join us; then our preparation will be complete,” Lim said.
The Sarawak contingent will compete in 31 athletics events, with high hopes of securing at least 10 gold medals.
“We have a strong mix of experienced athletes and younger talent, which gives us an edge in several events,” he added.
Among the standout athletes expected to compete are national shot put record holder, Jonah Chang Rigan, who will also be competing in the discus throw; Jackie Wong Siew Cheer (hammer throw); and Grace Wong Xiu Mei (hammer throw), who recently broke a record at the Malaysia Open.
Other key names include javelin SUKMA medallist, Ng Jing Xuan; 400 m hurdles specialist, Mandy Goh Li; Queennie Ting Kung Ni (discus throw); and sprinter Jonathan Nyepa, who will also feature in the 100 m and 4×100 m relay.
Lim also highlighted the presence of promising younger athletes in the squad, emphasising the importance of giving them exposure at major regional competitions.
The Borneo Games, which feature open-age participation, will see Sarawak face strong competition from teams such as Sabah, East Kalimantan, Brunei and Labuan.
“This is our first time participating under my leadership for the Borneo Games. Before this, I was head coach for SUKMA 2022 and SUKMA 2024 for athletics,” Lim said.
Athletics will be held from September 25 to 27 at the Sarawak Stadium.
