Early preparations for wushu to top 2020 Sukma

KUCHING: The Sarawak Sports Corporation ( SSC) and Sarawak State Sports Council ( MSNS) will be working closely with Wushu Federation of Sarawak ( WFS) to commence preparations for 20th Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) in Johor in 2020.

Aiming for Sarawak to top the medal tally in wushu at the next Sukma, SSC chief executive officer cum MSNS director Dr Ong Kong Swee said the preparations include sending potential athletes to China for training and exposure as well as organising local and international meets to upgrade the athletes skills and standard.

“We are proud of the Sarawak wushu team’s performance

We are proud of the Sarawak wushu team’s performance in the recent Sukma XIX in Perak. Dr Ong Kong Swee, SSC chief executive officer

in the recent Sukma XIX in Perak,” he said at the Sukma XIX celebration dinner cum incentives presentation organised by WFS at a local hotel last Sunday.

According to Ong, some potential athletes who have performed well will be sent to China for long-term training while the local coaches will continue to monitor the progress of those who have yet to yet to impress in local and national tournaments.

Meanwhile, WFS secretary Lucas Lim Tee Kiat, who was Sukma XIX wushu team manager, took the opportunity to thank the ministry, SSC and MSNS for their continuous and strong support to wushu.

“Apart from providing the facilities such as training centres, coaches and supplements, the parties concerned also helped us send potential athletes overseas for exposure and training stints,” he said.

Lim also commended the state wushu team for their display of high team spirit and discipline at Sukma XIX in Perak and bringing back four gold, four silver and five bronze medals to finish second overall behind Melaka.

Sarawak gold medalists at Sukma Perak were Lee Hui Xian, Elvic Bong Qian Zheng, Clement Ting Su Wei and Audrey Chan Yee Jo while the silver medals contributors were Elvic Bong, Clement Ting, Audrey Chan, Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab, Stephanie Ngu Chai Ern and the bronze medalists were Lee Hui Xian, Stephanie Ngu, Chiew Sow Hong and Clement Thian Fung Seng.

Al so pr e sent wer e WFS president Allen Wong Siew Poh, deputy president James Ting Ing Seek and head coach Yoong Thong Foong.

— Photo by Teo Chi Wei Ong (sixth left) and (from seventh left) Wong, Lim and Ting with the Sukma XIX athletes, WFS officials, coaches and officials from MSN Sarawak and ISN Sarawak Satellite Centre after the incentives presentation.