KUCHING: Sarawak’s top young water polo players are in Perth, Australia, for international exposure, learning from Australia’s elite squads ahead of their gold medal bid at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
The squad, comprising 15 players aged between 14 and 20, will spend about 10 days in Perth from March 17 to 30 for centralised training. Most of the team members are around 16 years old, highlighting Sarawak’s focus on nurturing young talent for the future.
Pemanca Tan Kun Gee, president of the Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (ASAS) and Power Aquatics Swimming Club (PASC), said the overseas trip is crucial in providing the players with exposure that cannot be found locally.
“Australia has a strong water polo programme. By training there, our players can learn from some of the best and bring back new skills and strategies,” Tan told Sarawak Tribune when met recently.
He added that this year’s squad is already among the top two in Malaysia, and the trip is part of a long-term plan to build a team capable of competing for gold at this SUKMA and future editions.
“The main goal is exposure and experience. We want our players to develop not only their skills but also the mindset required to compete at the highest level,” he said.
Ahead of the trip, Tan met with coaches, players and parents to address discipline and teamwork issues.
“I shared my own experiences as a player, and everything has been settled. Now, the team is united and ready to work together,” he said.
Sarawak will also send a swimming team to Shenyang, China, from March 23 to April 5, 2026, as part of SUKMA preparations, with other local events planned before the national Games in August.
“We hope our players and coaches make the most of this opportunity, work together as a team, and return stronger,” Tan said.
Meanwhile, the water polo squad, led by head coach Voon Yong Hui, includes Julius Abbas Ferdinand Janting, Casper Tan Ting Fung and Ong Zong Lian, who have represented Malaysia at the SEA Games.
Julius shared that he believes his experience at the regional level will help him organise and guide his teammates more effectively during competitions.
“My target is to get gold for our team,” he said, looking ahead to what will be his first and final appearance at the SUKMA.
The 20-year-old, who plays as a right post and right wing, also urged his younger teammates to respect their coach and train hard as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
