KUCHING: Sarawak’s table tennis squad is targeting at least one gold medal at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) after completing a two-month training programme in China as it looks to improve on its lone bronze medal finish at the previous edition.
Sarawak Table Tennis Association president Jacky Sia said preparations began in January, with the team undergoing centralised training at the Sarawak Sports Village (SSV) before attending an intensive training camp in China.
The squad returned to Kuching earlier this month and has since resumed the final phase of preparations at SSV ahead of the Games.
Jacky thanked the Sarawak Sports Corporation for its continuous support, including providing training facilities, accommodation and food subsidies throughout the preparation period.
“We’ve been preparing since January, and the two-month training programme in China has greatly benefited our players. Now we are focused on fine-tuning everything before SUKMA and hope to achieve a much better result than last time,” he told Sarawak Tribune during the Extreme Hopes & Youth Table Tennis Championship 2026 at the Extreme Table Tennis Professional Centre here today (July 26).
Sarawak secured only one bronze medal in table tennis at the previous SUKMA, but the association has now set its sights on winning at least one gold medal.
SUKMA table tennis assistant Chef de Mission (ACDM) Pemanca Tan Kun Gee, however, believes the team is capable of surpassing that target.
To further motivate the players, Tan announced personal cash incentives for medal winners, separate from any rewards provided by the association.
For the team events, he will award RM6,000 for gold, RM3,000 for silver and RM1,500 for bronze, while individual medallists will receive RM3,000 for gold, RM1,500 for silver and RM750 for bronze.
He said the incentive proposal had received the backing of association president Jacky Sia.
“We are officially targeting one gold, but I believe the players can achieve more. I want them to fight for every medal,” he added.
Sarawak will field a full squad of 12 players comprising six boys and six girls, all of whom have been finalised.
The team features a balanced mix of experienced and emerging talents, with three boys and three girls from the previous SUKMA joining six younger players, many of whom are only 15 and 16 years old.
Tan acknowledged that managing pressure remains the biggest challenge in the final stages of preparation, with coaches working closely to help players stay mentally strong while enjoying training.
“There is naturally pressure because they are representing Sarawak, but we keep reminding them to stay relaxed, trust their preparation and enjoy the competition.
“Selangor will have home-ground advantage and perhaps more pressure. We just want our players to go there, give their best and bring home medals,” he added.
