16 Sabah veterans to compete in Thailand Masters

Sixteen Sabah veteran atletes will compete in the Thailand Masters Open Athle c Championships at Nakhon Sawan from March 8-10.

KOTA KINABALU: Sixteen Sabah veteran atletes will compete in the Thailand Masters Open Athletic Championships at Nakhon Sawan from March 8-10.

Sabah Masters Athletics Association (Samas) president Aliudin Jumat said the the squad would target nine to ten gold medals in the three-day championship.

“The squad comprise many newcomers but we will give our utmost best to achieve the desired results.

“We are expecting nine to 10 golds from Juliana (Gumpil), Tay Yu Eng, myself and a few more,” said Aliudin, adding that Samas bagged 12 gold, 14 silver and 10 bronze medals last year.

More importantly, the championship will see Samas kick-start their preparation for the year-end meet Asian Masters Athletics Championship (AMAC) in Kuching, Sarawak from December 26.

“This is our first competition (of the year) and it is part of our preparation for AMAC... there will more competition for Samas athletes after this,” he added.

After the Thailand Masters, the state masters athletes are expected to compete in the Taiwan Masters from April 13-14, Singapore Masters Open (May 3-5), Malaysian Masters (June 22-23), Singapore Masters International Track & Field Championhips (July 21-22), Brunei Masters (August 17-18) and Sabah Masters (September 7-8) before focusing on the AMAC.

Meanwhile, David William will lead the squad as the team manager to the Thailand Masters.

David will also be taking part in the championship in the 5559 age-group category while Aliudin will compete in the 6064 years old competition.

The rest of the men’s athletes are Hj Tarmizi Sandhu (65-69), Charlie Lee (60-64), Dr Tajul Ariffin Awang Mohd (60-64), Larry Andang (45-49), Yazid Mahadi (45-49) and Saidi Kailu (35-39).

As for the ladies, the athletes are Juliana (55-39), Tayg (65-69), Susanna Hiew (65-69)Margaret Petrus (50-54), Jessie Manjin (50-54), Pirin Berangin (60-64), Dorathea Anthony (55-59) and Adenah Lojuhun (55-59).

EYEING GOOD RESULTS: Aliudin (fourth left) pose with the team led by David (fourth right) for the Thailand Masters Open Athletics Championship at Nakhon Sawnan form March 8-10.