Pressy Philip to represent M’sia in 29th SEA Games
KOTA KINABALU: Pressy Misty Philip will compete in what would be her maiden appearance in the 29th SEA Games that Malaysia will host from August 19-30.
The highly talented karateka’s participation was in doubt previously due to her studies commitment at Labuan Matriculation College, where she has been at since reporting in on June 5.
However, Pressy has yesterday received the green light from the College to put her matriculation studies on hold thus paving the way to compete in the biennial games.
Pressy said it was like a dream come true to represent the country in the region’s premier multi-sport event.
“I’m extremely happy because I have already worked hard for it especially through these two weeks as a college student,” she said referring to her reporting for the national camp under the Kita Juara Program (We Are Champions Programme).
The Programme is the the country’s national athletes’ preparation for SEA Games, where Pressy will be reporting to in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
“It is going to be a great experience despite being the only Sabahan in the national karate team,” said Pressy soon after learning of the positive response from the College to put on hold her matriculation studies until next year.
Hailing from Kg Lintuhun in Tambunan, Pressy describes her parents, Philip Panis and Chin Siew Yon, as her pillar of strength during the hectic years when she juggled between karate which she picked up as a seven-year-old and studies which she also excelled in.
Pressy, who will turn 18 on June 29, will be returning home today before her scheduled departure for the national capital.
Meanwhile, Sabah Karate Association (SKA) secretary general Julian Chin said the association was proud that Pressy was chosen to compete in the SEA Games, which he said would boost karate in the state.
Ricky Leong was the last Sabah karateka to compete in the SEA Games in Myanmar back in 2013 before the sport was dropped by the then hosts Singapore in 2015.