KUCHING: After encouraging performances at the previous home edition of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), Sarawak’s men’s and women’s kabaddi teams are determined to go one step further in Selangor next month.
Sarawak Kabaddi Association’s President, Muttiah Pillai Sinnathambi, said both squads have progressed well in their preparations and are determined to build on their performances at the previous Games.
“Our preparation is going on smoothly without any obstacles. The players are currently undergoing intensive training and are improving day by day,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
The squads are currently in Thailand for an intensive training camp and a series of friendly matches against the Thailand national junior team and the senior national team before returning to Kuching on July 25.
Muttiah said the overseas stint has provided valuable exposure, allowing the players to sharpen their skills while learning under Thailand national coach, Ravi Shetty.
“They are picking up new tricks and skills. We are also fortunate to learn from coach Ravi, who has given his full support to our team,” he said.
Sarawak heads into this year’s Games looking to build on encouraging performances in previous SUKMA campaigns.
He recalled that the men’s team narrowly missed out on the final at SUKMA 2024 after losing their semi-final by just two points before bouncing back to defeat Perak for the bronze medal.
The women’s team, meanwhile, finished level on points with Kedah and Perak in the round-robin competition but missed out on a medal on points difference.
“For this SUKMA, our target is to place both teams in the semi-finals. From there, we want to see both our men’s and women’s teams finish on the podium,” he added.
The kabaddi competition at SUKMA 2026 will be held at Stadium MBSJ, Serdang Jaya, from August 14 to 18.
