KUCHING: Sarawak’s men’s and women’s hockey teams have opted for an intensive centralised training camp at the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) in Johor as they step up preparations for the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
Unlike most contingents, they have chosen to train away from home rather than at their own venues.
Assistant team manager, Kangot Awan, said both squads have been based at SSTMI since July 20 and are scheduled to return to Kuching on July 30.
“Both teams chose to train at SSTMI. They have been there since July 20 and will return to Kuching on July 30,” Kangot told Sarawak Tribune.
Besides undergoing intensive daily training, the teams are also taking part in a series of friendly matches to assess the players’ progress and expose them to competitive match situations ahead of the biennial Games.
“We have arranged several friendly matches for both teams. They serve as an opportunity to evaluate the players’ performances while giving them valuable exposure to competitive play,” he said.
Kangot believes the training camp will strengthen team chemistry, improve overall performance, and better prepare both squads for the challenges ahead.
He also confirmed that the final squads have been finalised, with the men’s team comprising 17 players and the women’s squad 18.
“Both teams feature a combination of players from the previous SUKMA campaign and promising new faces,” he added.
At the 2024 SUKMA, both Sarawak teams were eliminated in the preliminary round and will be aiming to produce a stronger performance in this year’s edition.
