Sukma in focus as netball team gets down to work
SIBU: Training sessions in the Sarawak women’s netball camp continued to gather momentum as they gear up for the postponed 2020 Malaysia Games (Sukma), which is set to take place in Johor next year.
A total of 25 players from throughout the state took part in a week-long training camp held at Sibu Indoor Stadium recently.
Sarawak netball coordinator Hii King Hung said the selected players including those from Kuching, Limbang, Miri, Sarikei and host Sibu.
“We have a combination of junior and senior players and most of them are Johor Sukma shadow team athletes.
“We are all down to serious works as we aim for at least the semi-final berth in the Johor
Sukma,” she said.
According to Hii, the players are undergoing early preparation so that they could ‘truly rise on the occasion when it matters most’.
The training camp, a two-inone programme, was organised by Sarawak State Sports Council and conducted by state netball coach Lau Siew Wei.
After the training camp, the athletes will take part in a twoday 3x3 Netball Challenge, slated to start on Jan 14, also at the same venue.
Hii, who is also Sibu Sports Council Coordinator, said the purpose of the competition was to provide a platform for the players to sharpen their skills and improve playing standard.
Hii said the Covid-19 pandemic had led to cancellation of all netball competitions last year, and athletes, who were badly affected by the situations, are craving for competitive games.
“A whole year round of training makes the game a total bore and the players lazy.
“The 3x3 Challenge will give them some excitement and thrills,” Hii said, adding the 3x3 format was introduced to replace the conventional format of seven players per team to cope with the new normal.
“This is to allow more teams to take part, more matches to be played and in the process.
“The players will have greater chances to upgrade their skills, fitness and stamina,’ she said.
More than 10 teams are allowed for 3-a-side tournament, according to the SOP issued by the authorities.
For 7-a-side tournament, up to 10 teams are allowed while a maximum of seven teams is advised for the 10-a-side and a 15-a-side competition can only involve two teams.
Hii said competitions were needed to keep the players in upbeat mood and their passion for the sport remains intact.
“We hope to create an atmosphere so that the players have something to look forward and to aim for.”
We are all down to serious works as we aim for at least the semi-final berth in Johor Sukma.
Hii King Hung