KUCHING: Sarawak needs more gymnastics centres outside Kuching to widen its talent pool and give more children opportunities to take up the sport, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Representing Dr Sim at the opening of the Sarawak Amateur Gymnastics Association (SAGYMA) office and training centre at Queen’s Tower here today (Sept 26), Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak and SAGYMA patron Kho Teck Wan said gymnastics development should not be concentrated only in Kuching.
Dr Sim said Sarawak’s size offered considerable potential to develop the sport in other major regions, and encouraged more gym owners and private operators to establish gymnastics centres, particularly in Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
“The more centres we have, the greater the opportunities for children to participate in gymnastics,” he said.
He said expanding the number of centres would help SAGYMA widen its talent pool and identify promising young athletes from throughout Sarawak.
Dr Sim also called for the development of other disciplines under the wider gymnastics family, including Aerobic Gymnastics and Parkour.
He said diversifying the disciplines available could attract more young people with different interests and abilities while creating new pathways for participation and competitive development.
“Our long-term objective should be to build a strong gymnastics ecosystem throughout Sarawak — from grassroots participation to high-performance sport,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister stressed the importance of ensuring gymnasts did not overlook their education while pursuing high-performance sport.
He said athletes often spent many hours training and, at elite level, had to attend training camps and competitions, sometimes away from home and school.
He therefore encouraged SAGYMA to explore collaborations with local colleges and universities to create pathways allowing talented athletes to continue their sporting ambitions without compromising their education.
“Ultimately, not every athlete will remain in competitive sport forever. Education provides them with opportunities beyond their competitive years and prepares them for their future careers,” he said.
Dr Sim then congratulated Sarawak’s gymnastics contingent at SUKMA XXII Selangor 2026, which won a combined one gold, two silver and three bronze medals in Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics.
He acknowledged the contribution of SAGYMA, the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) and Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) towards the preparation and development of Sarawak’s gymnasts.
