MIRI: A Miri-based archery academy cemented its growing reputation as one of Sarawak’s leading grassroots sports development centres after delivering a commanding performance at the Majlis Sukan Sekolah Sarawak (MSS Sarawak) Championship in Bintulu from May 4 to 7.
The academy returned with an impressive haul of 33 gold, 18 silver and 20 bronze medals, while 11 of its athletes secured places in the Sarawak squad for the upcoming Majlis Sukan Sekolah Malaysia (MSSM) championship.
The achievement drew praise from Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, who visited the academy’s training facility today (May 23) to personally congratulate the athletes and coaching team.
Describing the achievement as exceptional, Ting said the academy had emerged as a major contributor to Sarawak’s youth archery development programme.
“Out of 14 students who competed at MSS Sarawak, 11 have been selected to represent Sarawak at MSSM. That is almost 79 per cent, which is a very significant achievement,” he said.
He added that the academy’s contribution to the state team highlighted the effectiveness of its long-term athlete development programme and the importance of having proper training facilities for young sportsmen and women.
Among those selected in the Under-18 Boys category was Goi NiXin.
The Under-15 Girls category produced four state representatives, namely Athena Koay, Nur Hanis, Airish Sophie and Laura Lau, while Pok Hoe En, Holden Yip and Muhd Agil earned state call-ups in the Under-15 Boys division.
In the Under-12 Girls category, Aleesya Hannanie, Chanelle Lau and Trisha Hu booked their places in the Sarawak squad, while Daiyan Hafie, Kai Huong and Mohd Harith Rayyan were selected in the Under-12 Boys division.
The academy’s medal tally reflected consistent performances across multiple categories, with several archers contributing multiple gold medal finishes during the four-day championship.
During his visit, Ting was also briefed on ongoing and future plans to expand the academy’s facilities to accommodate increasing student enrolment and improve overall training conditions.
Among the proposed upgrades are additional study rooms, expansion of training spaces for beginner archers, improvements to drainage systems and the development of a gymnasium area to support athletes’ physical conditioning.
Parts of the facility have already undergone extension works, with further improvements expected to be carried out in phases over the coming months.
Ting said quality facilities played a crucial role in nurturing young sporting talent and ensuring athletes were able to train in a safe and conducive environment.
“Every gold medal is important because it reflects discipline, sacrifice and hard work. With better facilities and continued support, these young athletes will have greater opportunities to excel,” he said.
The academy’s outstanding showing in Bintulu has further strengthened its standing as one of Sarawak’s emerging centres for grassroots archery excellence, with its growing pipeline of young talent now making a significant contribution to the state squad ahead of the national schools championship.
