SELANGOR: Sarawak ended a 13-year wait for a Malaysia Games (SUKMA) medal in barehand kutuvarasai after Vynya Sira Megan secured bronze in the morning session today (Aug 22).
Sarawak Silambam squad manager Sivanesan Sanmugalingam said the squad was pleased with the breakthrough but remained focused on adding to its medal tally.
“We started gradually, with one of our four athletes winning bronze in the morning session.
“This is our first SUKMA medal in barehand kutuvarasai in 13 years, so it is an improvement from the last SUKMA, where we did not win anything in all four categories,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
Sivanesan said the squad remained confident of achieving its medal target despite the gradual start.
“We hope to be on the podium again and we are still hunting for our first gold medal.
“Our target remains the same — two golds, two silvers and two bronzes — and we are still on track to achieve it,” he said.
Assistant chef de mission for silambam Rodiyah Sapiee was also present to witness the breakthrough as Sarawak made a modest start to the combat events.
The medal also marked an improvement from the 2024 SUKMA in Sarawak, where the state failed to win a medal in all four silambam categories.
