SELANGOR: Sarawak’s growing list of giant-killing performances at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII is no coincidence, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Instead, he believes the state’s young athletes are proving that years of investment in talent development are beginning to bear fruit.
Dr Sim said Sarawak’s success in upsetting favourites and national athletes throughout the Games reflected the long-term commitment made by the Sarawak Government to build a sustainable sporting ecosystem.
“To remain consistent among the top states, a lot of work has to be done, although sometimes it goes unappreciated. When someone becomes a champion, everyone praises them.
“But a lot of work has to be done before achieving that success. It is not something that can be accomplished in just one or two years. It requires consistent efforts year after year,” he told reporters after watching the men’s 3m synchronised springboard final at the Selangor Aquatic Centre today (Aug 21).
His remarks came after Sarawak divers Elvis Priestly Clement and Awang Sharzan Nasrin Awang Nasaruddin produced a commanding display to win the men’s 3m synchronised springboard title with 333.90 points, finishing ahead of the Federal Territory pair of Yong Rui Jie and Nurqayyum Mohd Nazim.
Dr Sim described the victory as another example of the confidence shown by Sarawak’s young athletes despite facing more fancied opponents.
“In the event that just concluded, we actually did not expect to win any medal.
“However, what makes us most proud is the confidence shown by our young athletes. Despite being under pressure, they managed to overcome the country’s top favourites,” he said.
He said maintaining that momentum would depend on continuing to invest in identifying and developing young talent, stressing that Sarawak must not become complacent despite its success at this year’s Games.
Dr Sim also commended the commitment shown by athletes, coaches and officials, saying their collective effort had kept Sarawak among the leading contingents throughout the competition.
