SELANGOR: Sarawak is targeting 12 gold medals in para swimming at the Para SUKMA Selangor, with 21 of its 27-strong squad making their debut at the Games.
Team manager, Sabarriah Amit, said the squad comprised 22 male and five female swimmers, with only about six athletes having previous Para SUKMA experience.
“About six of them are experienced swimmers, while the rest are all new,” said Sabarriah.
With a mix of experienced swimmers and new faces in the squad, Sabarriah said the team remained confident of producing a strong performance across the various classifications and events.
Meanwhile, head coach, Syarbini Kedri, said the squad had been strengthened by the inclusion of several promising swimmers, with the newcomers expected to gain valuable exposure competing alongside more experienced athletes.
“We have athletes competing from the S5 to S14 classifications, so there is a good mix across the different categories,” he told reporters at Dewan Raja Muda Musa today.
Syarbini said several of Sarawak’s experienced swimmers had also competed at national level, giving the team confidence of challenging for medals in their respective events.
He added that the squad would also look to its relay events to boost its medal tally, particularly the women’s and mixed relays.
“We are hoping the relays can contribute to our medal tally. If everything goes according to plan, we are looking at around two or three medals from the relay events,” he said.
Syarbini said the team was aware of the strength of the competition in Selangor but remained focused on achieving its medal target while giving the younger swimmers valuable exposure for future editions.
“With the new swimmers coming in, this is also part of our preparation for the future. We hope they can gain experience and eventually become the next generation of swimmers for Sarawak,” he said.
Among the swimmers in the squad are Galang Jabai, Mully Andriano, Alvin Wong Jun Ming, Sheena Ung Xin Ying, Sereen Lulong Jawi, Fraidden Dawan, Rusdianto Rusmadi and Alexius Joel Kalon.
