KUCHING: Sarawak’s boxing squad will head to Bangkok on July 19 for its final overseas training camp ahead of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), with the stint expected to provide the finishing touches to the team’s preparations.
The squad will remain in Thailand until August 8, where they will train and spar with local boxers renowned for their technical ability and competitive standards.
Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association’s (SABA) President, Datuk Rahman Lariwoo, said the camp represents the team’s final phase of preparation before the Games.
“This is our final preparation before SUKMA. The team will leave on July 19 and return on August 8,” he told reporters at the Sarawak Temporary Boxing Centre in Petra Jaya today.
Besides intensive training sessions, Rahman said the association is also exploring the possibility of entering the squad in one or two competitions during the trip to expose the athletes to match situations before the Games.
“We are also trying to arrange one or two competitions for them while they are in Thailand if the opportunity arises,” he said.
Rahman believes the overseas exposure will benefit the athletes by allowing them to test themselves against quality opponents and further sharpen their skills before SUKMA.
He added that the coaching team had carefully planned the programme to ensure the boxers return home fully prepared for the competition.
The training camp in Highland Boxing Gym in Bangkok will mark the final major assignment for the Sarawak squad before they shift their focus to the SUKMA campaign.
