SELANGOR: Sarawak’s success in sports beyond its traditional medal hopes has emerged as one of the defining features of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII, earning praise from Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The minister said the contingent’s performances across several disciplines reflected the growing depth of Sarawak sport, with athletes rising to the occasion in events where medal success had not necessarily been expected.
“The achievements in aquatic sports, including water polo and diving, show that Sarawak athletes are now performing at a very commendable level.
“I am very proud to see several sports in which we did not expect to win medals producing excellent performances and achieving their targets. Water polo contributed two gold medals.
“In diving, out of the 12 gold medals contested, Sarawak won eight, and that is a truly remarkable achievement,” he said during the Sarawak contingent dinner on Sunday (Aug 23).
Also present were Sarawak chef de mission Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and several assistant chefs de mission.
Abdul Karim also highlighted the cycling squad after it produced Sarawak’s first-ever SUKMA cycling gold medals despite the state not having its own velodrome.
“Winning gold in cycling was not easy, especially when we do not have a velodrome.
“It was certainly very difficult, but they still managed to achieve it,” he said.
He congratulated the entire contingent for their performances throughout the Games, describing the achievements as a testament to the commitment of the athletes, coaches and officials.
Abdul Karim added that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had been closely following the contingent’s progress and was pleased with the results achieved.
