Tawfiq thanks Sabah archers for golden gift

KOTA KINABALU: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan congratulated Sabahan archers for helping Malaysia win two gold medals at the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh and Lee Kin Lip both played a part in Malaysia’s victory in the men’s and women’s compound team events at the National Sports Council synthetic turf field.

“Like everyone in Sabah, I am very proud of the men’s and women’s compound team for winning the second and third gold medals for Malaysia.

“For Sabah, the achievement is very special because two of our athletes helped the country in the victory,” Tawfiq said when contacted yesterday.

Fatin along with team mates Saritha Cham Nong and Nurul Shazhera defeated a Vietnamese trio 253-252 in the final. It was the second medal for the 26-year-old from Kota Kinabalu. Earlier, she beat Dellie Threesyadinda from Indonesia 143-141 to win the bronze in the individual event.

Fatin had set her sights for an appearance in the final but missed her chance after losing 142-145 to Kieu Oanh from Vietnam.

In the men’s team final, Lee Kin Lip made Tawau proud when he partnered with Mohd Juwaidi Mazuki and Zulfadli Ruslan to beat Singapore 228-222 in the men’s final.

Tawfiq said the archery victories will inspire other athletes to strive for similar achievements to try and help Malaysia hit its target of 111 gold medals.

“I hope more athletes from Sabah can help win for the country. Those who win medals will receive a special incentive from Sabah Sports Council,” Tawfiq said.

A total of 28 Sabahans are part of the 874 athletes representing Malaysia in this 29th edition of South East Asia’s largest biennial sporting carnival.

For the record, Malaysia is taking part in 397 of 404 events and Sabahan athletes are involved in 12 sports from 38 that are being contested at the games.