SELANGOR: A total of 45 representatives from Sarawak’s SUKMA and Para SUKMA contingents will take part in the official flag-raising ceremony at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam on August 15 (Saturday).
Sarawak Sports Corporation’s (SSC) Chief Executive Officer, Mu’azamir Jili, said the decision was made during the Chef-de-Mission (CDM) meeting, with the selection also taking into account the athletes’ competition schedules.
He said the 45 representatives would comprise members from both contingents, including athletes and officials, rather than being limited to the SUKMA contingent.
“Forty-five representatives only, combined between SUKMA and Para SUKMA. We will look at athletes who may have events or competitions at that time and select those who are available,” he said.
Mu’azamir, who is also the Sarawak State Sports Council’s (MSNS) Director, said the Sarawak delegation would also include the leadership of both contingents, while the flag bearer and contingent leader had yet to be finalised.
The ceremony will be held at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam, with the Selangor Sultan, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, expected to officiate the event.
Meanwhile, Mu’azamir said Sarawak athletes had shown encouraging fighting spirit despite some early results not going their way in the group stages.
He said he witnessed the beach volleyball team’s match against the host side and praised the athletes for their determination after taking the first set before eventually being forced into a deciding set.
“Our athletes’ fighting spirit is something to be proud of. Most importantly, they never give up. The journey is still at an early stage, and I expect many more positive results to come,” he said.
He also highlighted the women’s water polo team’s victory over Penang, saying the team had displayed a good standard of competition.
