KUCHING: Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) is setting its sights on defending the four gold medals won at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), with hopes of returning home with an even bigger medal haul.
SABA’s President, Datuk Rahman Lariwoo, said the association is confident in the squad assembled to represent the state after months of preparation under the guidance of the coaching staff.
“Our target is to defend the four gold medals we won at the last SUKMA and, if possible, improve on that achievement,” he told reporters at the Sarawak Temporary Boxing Centre in Petra Jaya today.
Rahman expressed full confidence in the state coaches, saying their dedication has laid a solid foundation for the team’s campaign.
“I have every confidence in our head coach and the coaching staff. They have worked hard to prepare the athletes and I believe in the programme they have put in place,” he said.
He urged the boxers to uphold discipline, remain committed to their training and embrace the responsibility of representing Sarawak.
“You have been selected to wear the Sarawak colours. Give your best, stay disciplined and compete with pride for the state,” he said.
Rahman also called on the more experienced athletes to share their knowledge with teammates making their SUKMA debut, saying unity within the squad would be crucial.
He noted that the state squad was selected from 14 boxing training centres throughout Sarawak, reflecting the depth of talent developed across the state.
Looking ahead to the Games, Rahman identified Penang, Johor and Sabah as among Sarawak’s strongest rivals but insisted his boxers should enter the ring with confidence.
“They are quality teams, but we should not be intimidated. We have capable athletes and we believe Sarawak has what it takes to compete with the best,” he said.
