The Kuching Sports News: August 2016

Wednesday, 31 August 2016

Mr Awang Selamat bodybuilding contest in Kelantan

The syariah-compliant bodybuilding competition organised in Kelantan is a development in the sport that should be emulated, says Universiti Islam Antarabangsa lecturer Maszlee Malik.

Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin has announced that Paralympic medal winners in Rio will receive life-long pension equivalent to their Olympic counterparts.

It’ll be a boost in Malaysia’s hunt for its maiden gold medal, as the winner will receive RM5,000 per month, silver medallists will get RM3,000 per month while bronze winners will receive RM2,000 per month.

The eventual medallists will also receive cash incentive on top of the monthly allowance: RM1 million (gold), RM300,000 (silver), RM100,000 (bronze).

Retires from football to spend time with 'old flame'

Haidel Heli has made up his mind - no more State-level football after Sept 17.

He has announced in the printed media on his intention not to seek re-election in the FAS Annual General Election that would take place on Sept 17 at a local hotel here. (Click here)

The former State hockey player said, among others, he wants to give more attention to Sarawak Former Hockey Player Association by which he is the president.

SFFC president Peter Moni Selat expressed confidence that the team have what it takes to remain in the Super League for next year.

“As fans of the team, you cannot stop believing in your team because that is what fans are for.

"You support them when they are doing well and you definitely need to be there when they are not doing well too,” he told a local English daily yesterday.

Following a 1-1 home draw against Selangor at the Stadium Negeri last week, the Crocs must take advantage of the two remaining home games to get maximum points.

Who is the next FAS President - Masing or Karim ?

Rumours mills are working extra hours churning out 'so-called-reliable-information' on the top post in the State football association.

The rumours are the current president Datu Sudarsono Osman will not defend his post in the next Annual General Meeting of the State association.

A FAS official, when asked about the rumours today, said he did hear about it.

Manyin (third right) with Sunny (second right) and the triumphant 18th Sukma state bowlers yesterday.

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has assured that the Sarawak government, Sarawak Sports Corporation and Sarawak State Sports Council will give full and unwavering support for the continuous success and progress of tenpin bowling in Sarawak.

He noted that Amateuer Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak (Abas) has attained numerous achievements and achieved milestones over the last 28 years since its formation.

He pointed out that under the association (which won best association award in Sarawak in 2009), many state bowlers namely Jackson Ting, Tang Joh Six, Jackie Ting, Jonathan Lim, Jacqueline Sijore, Isaac Russell Paul and Ervin Lim had won national and international honours.

KUCHING: Aisa Rosli of Kota Samarahan clinched the ‘Champion of Champions’ title at the third edition of Mr Boulevard-Mr BBS on Saturday.

The police lance corporal had earlier won the senior above-70kg category beating out Edison Eddie Ekom and Jeremiah Rukong — both also from Kota Samarahan — into second and third place.

The senior under-70kg title went to Wilfred Harding of Kuching. Mohamad Hafiz Mohd Razib of Johor and Alvin Vellabouy Alan Achang of Kuching followed behind.

SMK Shoaw receiving the challenge trophy from Lo (fifth left) while Julius (third right), Zulkarainhisham (second right) and others look on.

KUCHING: SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab (Shoaw) completed a hat-trick of wins in the Kuching Festival Rugby Carnival when they defeated SMK Tebedu 47-12 in the Cup final at Song Kheng Hai Ground last Saturday.

This is the third consecutive year that the Kuching school rugby powerhouse has won the title.

Shoaw head coach Zulkarainhisham Sarbini was pleased with the performance of his boys who had helped to maintain the school’s standard in the annual competition organised jointly by Kuching Football Rugby Club (KRFC) and the Kuching City South Council (MBKS).

Sumbangan atlet veteran dipandang sepi oleh kerajaan

KUCHING: Atlet-atlet bina badan veteran wajar mendapat penghargaan seperti yang diberikan kepada atlet-atlet pada masa ini, kata Presiden Persatuan Bina Badan Sarawak (SBBA), Datuk Wee Hong Seng.

Menurutnya, atlet-atlet veteran seperti Soloman Esmanto, Allahyarham Bujang Taha dan Liaw Teck Leong telah berhempas pulas dalam keadaan serba kekurangan demi membawa nama baik Malaysia di persada antarabangsa.

“Sudah tiba masanya atlet- atlet veteran kita dikurniakan penghormatan dan insentif sama seperti yang dianugerahkan kepada atlet-atlet baharu,” katanya pada perasmian Kejuaraan Bina Badan Mr Boulevard/Mr BBS 2016 edisi ketiga di sini semalam.

MAJUKAN SUKAN: Abang Johari (kiri) pada sidang media selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat jawatankuasa tertinggi SABERKAS di Kuching semalam.

KUCHING: Pertubuhan Belia Kebangsaan Bersatu Sarawak (SABERKAS) komited membantu kerajaan negeri dalam usaha menjadikan Sarawak sebagai sebuah ‘Negeri Kuasa Sukan’.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg berkata pertubuhan itu terus bekerjasama dengan kerajaan negeri dalam usaha mengenal pasti sukan berpotensi diketengahkan serta mampu menaikkan nama Sarawak ke peringkat lebih tinggi.

“SABERKAS memainkan peranan penting untuk melahirkan atlet-atlet dari negeri ini yang berwibawa pada masa hadapan.

Kerajaan negeri bersetuju memberi insentif khas kepada ratu terjun negara, Pandelela Rinong susulan kejayaan atlet itu merangkul pingat perak pada Sukan Olimpik Rio.

Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, Datuk Fatimah Abdullah berkata Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem mewakilkan Menteri Belia, Sukan dan Solidariti, Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong dan Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah memikirkan bentuk hadiah yang diberikan kepada Pandelela.

“Mereka akan mengumumkannya pada waktu yang sesuai nanti. Kita tidak pasti bentuk kuantum insentif akan diberikan namun yang pasti ia adalah menarik,” katanya pada sidang media di sini kelmarin.

Sembang bola dengan Alan Vest

KUCHING: Sarawak perlu memperkasakan program pembangunan bola sepak di peringkat akar umbi untuk mengembangkan lagi sukan nombor satu itu di negeri ini.

Saranan itu disuarakan oleh bekas jurulatih Sarawak, Alan Vest, kepada wartawan Utusan Borneo, sambil menegaskan tanpa program pembangunan yang kukuh dan berterusan, mutu bola sepak negeri ini akan terus ketinggalan berbanding negeri-negeri lain.

“Ya sudah tentu Sarawak amat memerlukan program pembangunan akar umbi kerana negeri ini amat besar dan saya yakin ada ramai pemain berbakat yang boleh dicungkil.

KIBAR CABARAN: Prtasarathee (kiri) bergambar bersama dengan peserta lain di KLIA sebelum berlepas semalam.

KUCHING: Atlet Kelab Muaythai SS Fighters dari Sarawak, Prtasarathee Punniyamoorthy dipilih untuk mewakili negara pada Kejohanan Dunia Remaja Persekutuan Antarabangsa Muaythai Amatur (IFMA) yang akan berlangsung di Bangkok, Thailand dari 24 Ogos hingga 1 September 2016.

Pelajar Tingkatan 3 Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pending itu mendapat kepercayaan Persatuan Muaythai Malaysia (PMM) selepas mempamer aksi cemerlang pada Kejohanan Muaythai WMC/PMM Pro Remaja Kebangsaan 2016 yang diadakan di South City Plaza Sri Kembangan pada 20 dan 21 Ogos lepas.

Meskipun tewas di peringkat suku akhir pada kejohanan tersebut, potensi yang ditunjukkan oleh Prtasarathee membolehkan beliau dipilih bersama lapan petinju lain mewakili pelbagai kelab dari seluruh negara.

Kelab Sukan & Rekreasi Real Stats akan menganjurkan liga bolasepak pada September 16 depan di Padang HDC, Kampung Tunku Phase 2.

Penganjuran ini dilakukan dengan kerjasama Real Stats Football Club.

Penyertaan hanya terhad untuk 10 pasukan sahaja - dan setiap pasukan hanya boleh mendaftar 25 orang pemain sahaja.

Seri bukan pilihan Sarawak malam ini

KUCHING: Sarawak mempunyai tiada pilihan ketika menentang Selangor malam ini di Stadium Negeri kecuali mendapatkan tiga mata diakhir perlawanan.

Ini untuk membolehkan Sarawak menjarakkan diri daripada zon penyingkiran dalam Liga Super.

“Kita perlu menang perlawanan malam esok (malam ini) dan saya mahu semua pemain memberi fokus sepenuhnya agar kita tidak lagi keciciran mata.

BAM jawab Misbun

PETALING JAYA: Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) menafikan negara ketandusan pemain pelapis dalam badminton negara selepas Datuk Lee Chong Wei, sekali gus menepis dakwaan kononnya negara tidak serius dalam membangunkan kualiti sukan itu.

Timbalan presidennya, Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria memberitahu FMT keadaan itu dapat diterjemahkan melalui pencapaian pasukan badminton di Olimpik Rio baru- baru ini.

Beliau berkata BAM menggunakan strategi serampang dua mata - pertama, persediaan untuk Olimpik Rio dan kedua, persediaan untuk menggantikan Chong Weil

Norza berkata demikian ketika diminta mengulas keluhan bekas ketua jurulatih negara Datuk Misbun Sidek (klik disini) yang berkata Malaysia kekurangan sistem latihan atlet handalan yang sempurna dan maju dan ini mengakibatkan negara gagal memenangi pingat emas di Olimpik Rio.

Adenan (sixth left), Jamilah (eighth right) and Hoan (fifth left) pose with the organising committee during the trophy presentation ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s Office, Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.

KUCHING: Ninety-two male and female golfers will compete in the 3rd Sarawak Grand Championship for the Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and Datin Patinggi Dato Jamilah Anu Challenge Trophy to be held at Sarawak Golf Club (KGS) from Sept 2-4.

Last year’s winners Lee Ka Tung of Sibu Golf Club and Angel Hii from KGS will be out to defend their titles.

The event, sanctioned by Sarawak Golf Association (SGA), is open to golfers with course handicap of 13.1 or below for men and course handicap of 32.2 (36) for women.

PETALING JAYA: Lee Chong Wei is not the one to blame for failing to deliver Malaysia a gold medal at the Rio Olympics, according to a former national legend.

Misbun Sidek, who was a former national badminton coach, lays the blame on the country’s lack of a developed and complete training system, China Press reported.

“That is the reason why Malaysia is still unable to produce athletes that can deliver a gold medal.

3 Sarawakians to join SEA Games boxing back-up team

Sukma XVIII silver medallists As Sufi Azli seen with Sarawak’s former Commonwealth Games champion Sapok Biki during last month’s Sukma.

Three state boxers have been called up by the National Sports Council (MSN) to join the national back-up squad.

It is known that two of the trio are Sukma XVIII silver medallists As Sufi Azli and Syafiz Hazziman Abdullah Jefri.

Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association president Datuk Rahman Lariwoo said the third boxer will be announced very soon.

Henry (sixth right) with organising committee members promoting the Bau Bike Week at his service centre in Bau.

The Motocross of Borneo, Sarawak series which will take place at the motocross track in Kampung Serikin, Bau on Aug 27-28 will feature more than 80 bikers and teams from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

A statement distributed to the media said the event promised to be one of the best off-road motorcycle racing series in Borneo as competitors tackle the challenging man-made track with double jumps, single jumps, table-tops and rolling waves.

The event aims to revive the love of motocross racing in Sarawak as well as position the state as a motorsports hub in Borneo.

Kuching Lord Tiger officials and players with Chung Hua Middle School No. 3 principal Lee Chee Beng (11th right), teachers and students at the school’s covered court on Tuesday. — Photo courtesy of Lee Chee Beng

KUCHING: Kuching Lord Tiger are returning to defend their Yuwang EBL crown in the second edition of the East Malaysian basketball league that will kick off at the MBKS Indoor Stadium here from Aug 26-28.

The recent champions of the 3rd Simon Wong Wee Khiong Cup Kuching Open Basketball Championship will join three other teams.

The four teams that are confirmed for the Kuching Circuit of the league from Aug 26 to Sept 18 are Kuching Lord Tiger, Labuan Wasps, Kota Kinabalu Eagles and Brunei Beruang Blazers.

A straight set defeat for Chong Wei in final

Photo by AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Malaysia has blown away the best chance ever for a gold medal at the Olympics as the Rio Games draws its curtain on Sunday.

Malaysia had three finalists in badminton but none of them made it, with flag-bearer Datuk Lee Chong Wei bowing out of his final Olympic with a silver in the men’s singles.

Besides Chong Wei, the men’s doubles, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and mixed pair, Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying never came close for the gold as all of them lost the final battle to better opponents.

Bolt seals unprecedented 'triple-triple'

Usain Bolt stormed over the line in 37.27sec to anchor Jamaica to relay glory in Rio. Photo by AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Usain Bolt brought the curtain down on his Olympic career with a record-equalling ninth gold medal, anchoring Jamaica to relay glory in a perfectly-scripted finale to complete his unprecedented “triple-triple.”

The 29-year-old superstar, widely seen as the greatest sprinter in history, stormed over the line in 37.27sec to trigger an eruption of adulation in the Olympic Stadium.

Japan’s quartet took a surprise silver in 37.60sec while Canada took bronze after the United States, who crossed in third, were later disqualified.

JOM SERTAI: Karim (tengah) pada sidang media bersama Abdul Haris (kanan) dan Kameri.

KUCHING: Sarawak menyasarkan seramai 534,000 peserta mengambil bahagian pada edisi kedua Hari Sukan Negara (HSN) yang akan diadakan serentak di seluruh negara pada 8 Oktober depan.

Sehubungan itu, Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menyeru masyarakat pelbagai lapisan di seluruh negeri keluar memeriahkan hari tersebut dengan menyertai pelbagai aktiviti sukan yang diadakan di kawasan masing-masing kelak.

Menurut Karim, antara aktiviti yang disediakan seperti ‘fun ride,’ ‘fun run,’ Zumba, senamrobik, seni mempertahankan diri, program rekreasi, gerai jualan peralatan sukan, cabutan bertuah dan banyak lagi.

Malaysia settles for silver in mixed doubles as Indonesian pair too hot to handle

Malaysia’s Tan Wee Kiong (left) and Goh V Shem. — Bernama photo

ONE down, two to go… as badminton carries Malaysia’s first gold medal hope at the tail end of the Rio Olympic Games which closes on Sunday.

Mixed pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying lost the gold medal chase when they were “overrun” by Indonesia’s Tontowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir in the final on Wednesday.

The victory was Indonesia’s first gold medal in the Games here and Malaysia are pinning hopes on badminton when men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong take on China’s Fu Haifeng-Zhang Nan in Friday’s final.

Tsok dribbles during a recent match in the 3rd Simon Wong Wee Khiong Cup Kuching Division Basketball Championship at MBKS Indoor Stadium.

KUCHING: State cager Tsok Kian Hong has turned down a dream offer to join the national squad for the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games next year.

It was a painful decision for the 26-year-old talented key player of Lord Tiger Basketball Club who chose career over national duty.

Tsok, who dons the No. 7 jersey for Lord Tiger, has the qualities of a star with his good looks and excellent skills on the basketball court and has always been the main component of the team.

Malaysia’s first medal in Olympics' cycling history

Azizulhasni Awang

RIO DE JANEIRO: Eight years after carrying Malaysia’s flag at the opening of the Beijing Olympics, Azizulhasni Awang finally fulfilled the dream of winning his country’s first ever track cycling medal on Tuesday.

Awang, nicknamed the ‘pocket rocket’ because of his small stature, came third in the men’s keirin at the Rio Olympics, earning a bronze medal for a country with little heritage in a sport dominated by Europe and Australia.

After disappointment in London and Beijing, the 28-year-old who suffered an horrific injury in 2011 when part of a wooden track pierced his leg, finished just behind the Netherlands’s Matthijs Buchli in a race won by Britain’s Jason Kenny.

Vincent (left) and his players celebrating their achievement in the Pan-Borneo Muafakat 10s at MRSM Tun Mustapha in Tawau, Sabah on Aug 13.

KUCHING: The MRSM Kuching rugby team scored more success this year when they emerged the champions in the Pan-Borneo Muafakat 10s at MRSM Tun Mustapha in Tawau, Sabah last Saturday (Aug 13).

They beat SMS Lahad Datu 7-0 in the Cup final for their second consecutive title after winning the Don Drury Memorial Trophy with a convincing 41-0 win over SMK Tebedu recently.

Playing in Group D, MRSM got off to a winning start when they beat SMS Lahad Datu 5-0 and went on to defeat MRSM Tawau 7-0 and top the group with six points.

(Seated front row, from left) Dr Chin, Dr Ong, Salmi Lilek and Muhammad Hazwan Haziq Rusli posing with the participants.

KUCHING: Sports science must be applied in all training programmes by all sports associations to optimise the performance of athletes.

According to Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee, there are still coaches who do not appreciate the importance of sports science in their respective sports especially concerning periodisation and sports psychology.

“If coaches do not utilise the periodisation plan, it would result in more injuries that can affect their winning percentage as well as being not psychologically prepared to ‘fight’ to the end which can be seen during Sukma XVIII,” he said while opening the National Sports Science Level One (SPKK) Course on Monday.

30 attend Level I badminton coaching course

Muhtasham (seated at centre), Dr Chin (third right) and Johnny Ng (third left) posing with the participants.

KUCHING: Thirty participants from Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Sarikei and Selangor completed the BAM Sports Specific Level 1 National Badminton Coaching Course held at the Institut Teknologi Maklumat Nusantara College (NIIT) from Aug 10-14.

The five-day course, which involved theory and practical aspects of badminton, was organised by Kuching Badminton Association (KBA) in collaboration with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).

BAM instructor Johnny Ng, who is also KBA coordinator, said the course was aimed at developing coaches to enhance the development and promotion of the game and sports in Sarawak.

Ka Tung, Eliza win Sarawak Golf Classic

The gross champions posing with Adenan (third left) and (from right) Sarawak Golf Association president Hoan Kee Hock, Datuk Lorna, Jamilah and George Chan after the prize presentation.

KUCHING: Sarawak’s golf ace Lee Ka Tung made more history in the Sarawak Classic Golf Championship at Kelab Golf Sarawak yesterday when he clinched the men’s gross title for a record eighth time.

The Sibu Golf Club golfer carded a two-day total of 142 (74, 68) to beat Lau Ching Leong by three strokes and collect the prize of goods voucher worth RM3,000.

It was also the second hat-trick for Lee who won the championship in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015.

Chan attempting a three-point shot to launch the tournament yesterday.

KUCHING: A total of 75 teams participated in the Kuching Festival Sports Toto 3-On-3 Basketball Jamboree yesterday.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk James Chan, who launched the event, saw positive attributes among the many players.

“It’s not all about winning or losing. By participating in sporting events such as basketball, this will teach us on how to be a good team player and adopt team spirit in addition to being physically and mentally fit,” he told participants at the foyer of MBKS’ headquarters.

Winners of the open category in a photocall with Sim (third left) and other guests at the prize presentation ceremony.

KUCHING: The 3rd Kuching Marathon, which attracted over 8,000 participants yesterday, can become a major international event for Kuching.

According to Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Hui Kian, the large numbers which included significant foreign participation make it viable to shift into a larger event.

“I strongly feel that Kuching Marathon has a potential to grow as a signature event. We want the level to be similar to the New York Marathon, Boston Marathon or Sydney Marathon which attracted large numbers of participants all over the world,” Sim said.

KUCHING: Sarawak State Sports Council (SSC) chief executive officer Dr Ong Kong Swee has voiced his support of the approval of a lifetime pension of RM3,000 each to the nation’s Olympic divers Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong.

He said it was unfair and not right for a 38-year-old army pensioner from Kedah to lodge a police report at Gurung Kedah police station last Saturday against the two Olympians just because he got less pension than Pandaleela and Cheong, who recently made the nation proud by winning silver medals in the women’s synchronized 10m platform dive at Rio Olympics.

“If Malaysia were to focus on improving its sports performance and succeed in producing gold medallists, what happens to their future after they retire? And we know that in sports, athletes tend to have to retire early and more so if they sustain injuries. So there’s the question of how will they sustain themselves after they have no steady income,” Dr Ong said.

“Somebody said I can become immortal. Two more medals to go and I can sign off. Immortal,” Usain Bolt said after winning the men’s 100m in Rio. Photo by AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO: Usain Bolt said he is confident of signing off as an Olympic “immortal” after his 100m win at the Rio Games left him two races from an unprecedented Treble Treble.

“It was brilliant. I didn’t go so fast but I’m so happy I won. I told you guys I was going to do it,” he said after becoming the first man to win three 100m sprints with a time of 9.81sec.

He said he was confident of winning the 200m and 4x100m relay this week. That would give him the treble of golds for three straight Olympics.

Sarawak-born swimmer splashes personal best in Olympic

Welson Sim getting ready for his heat. — Bernama photo

National swimmer Welson Sim completed his Olympic debut with a personal best in the 1,500m freestyle, clocking 15:32.63s to finish fourth in Heat 1 at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Friday.

The 19-year-old Sarawak-born swimmer sliced 0.04 seconds from his previous mark of 15:32.67s clocked during his European training stint at the Mare Nostrum Circuit in Barcelona, Spain, in June. However, he failed to come anywhere near the oldest national record of 15:21.61s set by Jeffrey Ong in 1991. Tunisian Oussama Mellouli won the heat with a time of 15:07.78s.

“I am happy with my new personal best and overall it was a great opportunity and new experience here. I have done my best here,” said Welson who completed his third and final event.

He opened his campaign last Saturday in the 400m freestyle with a time of 3:51.57s, failing to rewrite his national record of 3:50.40s and a day later he equalled his national record of 1:47.67s in the 200m freestyle.

SAGMA wants development and training center for rhythmic gymnasts

Sukma bronze medallist Emilie celebrating her birthday with Wee (fourth right), Sagma officials, coaches and fellow trainees at the elite training centre at Queen’s Court on Thursday.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Amateur Gymnastics Association (Sagma) is hoping that the National Sports Council (MSN) will help secure a centre for the development and training of the rhythmic gymnasts in the state.

Sagma president Helena Christine Wee said the rented premises at the ground floor and sixth floor of Queen’s Court is now unable to accommodate the ever-growing number of trainees.

“We have now 96 trainees including the Sukma gymnasts and we are looking for a big place/centre in the town area where we can conduct not only the training for the elite gymnasts but also the development of young gymnasts,” she said.

The state gymnasts with coaches Shaleen Tay (right) and Fioa Lee (left) after receiving their medals and certificates.

KUCHING: Sarawak’s team of Sukma XVIII and back-up gymnasts have continued to do Malaysia proud at the 5th Zhongling Cup International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament in Beijing from Aug 2-4.

They are Sukma XVIII bronze medallist Emilie Nara Zi Yi Jabu and teammates Sarah Ng Xi Yan, Bonnie Tan Yee Wen and back-up gymnasts Alaena Lao Lik Phin, Toh Xian Yong and Scarlett Yuki Chan Yeei Han.

The team — accompanied by coaches Shaleen Tay Hui Shing and Fiona Lee Sing Yin — returned with an impressive haul of three gold and three bronze medals to outshine Kuala Lumpur, the other team representing the country at the highly prestigious tournament in China.

Sarawak won 84 medals to be overall paralympics champions

Khairy presents the Best Female Athlete award to Carmen Lim of Selangor. At left is Fatimah.

KUCHING: Swimmers anchored Sarawak to retain its status as the country’s Paralympics powerhouse with 84 gold medals in the just concluded 18th Malaysia Paralympic Games to emerge champion for the 12th consecutive edition.

The state’s strong contingent of 201 athletes grabbed 220 medals, including 63 silver and 73 bronze, throughout the five-day event since Aug 6 and became overall champion in swimming, tenpin bowling and powerlifting. This feat enabled Sarawak to surpass its initial target of 80 gold medals. The state has won the biennial National Paralympic Games since 1994.

Aquatics was the biggest contributor to the state’s medal tally with 39 gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze. Although the accomplishment failed to match the state’s aquatic performance in the previous Paralympic Games in Perlis of 44 gold medals, Sarawak swimmers have every reason to be proud of surpassing the 38-gold medal target.

File photo of Melaka’s Nurul Aminahayu competing in the women’s 100m freestyle event during the 18th National Paralympic Games in Kuching. — Bernama photo

KUCHING: All states throughout the country have been challenged to give the same priority and reward to the para-athletes as enjoyed by their able-bodied counterparts.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the respective state governments must accord similar treatment and incentives to aid development of the special athletes especially if they triumphed in international competitions.

He pointed out that para-athletes put as much effort in to achieve success and put Malaysia on the world’s sporting map and that it is only deserving that they received rewards on par as the able-bodied sportsmen.

Cash upset HKH to lift SCC Annual Matchplay trophy

Cash players celebrating their victory on the podium at Samarahan Country Club last Sunday.

SAMARAHAN: The SCC Annual Matchplay (Yale Challenge Trophy) ended last Sunday with Cash exacting revenge on their close rival HKH Pink in the final to lift the trophy.

The final was a rematch of the two teams that met in Kelab Golf Sarawak Team Match play Championship final in March this year.

During that final, HKH Pink beat Cash to emerge the eventual champions of the event. However, in Sunday’s final Cash upset the form book to pip HKH to the winners circle by taking the game all the way to the last hole.

RIO DE JANEIRO: Divers Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong will share the RM600,000 cash incentive and a monthly pension of RM3,000 following their silver medal feat at the Rio Olympic Games here.

Under the National Sports Council incentive scheme for Olympics, a gold medal winner received RM1 million and a monthly pension of RM5,000; a silver medallist, RM600,000 plus a RM3,000 pension and a bronze winner , RM100,000 plus a RM2,000 pension.

Pandelela and Jun Hoong won the silver medal in the women’s synchronised 10m platform after collecting 344.34 points. China won the gold and Canada, the bronze.

Sarawak paralympians Jong and Jamery to compete in Rio

Fatimah (second left) flanked by (from left) Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Dr Ong Kong Swee (left), Samariang assemblywoman Sharifah Hasidah Syed Aman Ghazali (second right) and Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) Sarawak director Abang Shamsudin Abang Seruji.

KUCHING: Two state athletes, powerlifter Jong Yee Khie and swimmer Jamery Siga, will be representing the country in the upcoming Rio 2016 Paralympics taking place from Sept 7 to 18.

Jong was also chosen to become the flag bearer to represent Malaysia during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic games.

“We are very proud that these two athletes will be competing at an international stage,” said Minister of Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, who disclosed the news during a press conference at the Sarawak Aquatic Centre today (Aug 9).

St Joseph crowned KGS Captain’s Alumni Golf nett champions

St Joseph Alumni golfers celebrate at the KGS Captain’s Alumni Golf tournament after receiving the challenge trophy and personal trophies from Mawan. — Photo courtesy of Kelab Golf Sarawak

KUCHING: St Joseph Alumni wrested the KGS Captain’s Alumni Golf nett title from St Thomas Alumni at Kelab Golf Sarawak in Petra Jaya on Saturday.

Led by Dr David Sylvester Ling, the ex-Josephians registered a total score of 1,485 (best 20 players) to lift the Tan Sri William Mawan challenge trophy. Placed second were St Thomas Alumni (total nett score of 1,546), followed by Tanjong Lobang College Alumni from Miri and Sacred Heart Alumni from Sibu, fourth.

St Thomas Alumni retained the gross title in the 10th edition of the tournament with a total score of 519 strokes, three strokes ahead of St Joseph Alumni. Tanjong Lobang Alumni (533) ended third with Sacred Heart Alumni (556) fourth.

Abdul Karim suspicious with motive

KUCHING: Sarawak Cycling Association (SCA) president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was baffled with the ongoing investigation by the Malaysia Anti Corruption Commission on the SUKMA cycling venues.

He said he just couldn't dismiss the possibilities of some quarters were trying to project a negative image of the association or the State.

Abdul Karim, as quoted by a national English daily on Friday, said there had been a lot of nasty and unflattering remarks hurled against the association that had caused him to be suspicious on the current issue revolving around the organisation of SUKMA.

Dancers stage a performance at the opening.

KUCHING: Malaysian Paralympians can inspire their non-athletic counterparts to lead a more goal-directed life, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

“To all of the participants, I hope you will share your spirit, your dream and determination, and your key to success with the other disabled persons. I’m sure you can inspire them; I also believe you can make a difference to their lives,” he said when opening the 18th Malaysian Paralympic Games 2016 at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya here yesterday.

The chief minister’s representative Uggah (centre) with Fatimah (fourth left) acknowledge the athletes after the symbolic launch. Also seen from third right are Jeanne, Abdullah, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Assistant Minister for Welfare and Community Wellbeing Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Fatimah’s husband Datu Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah (extreme left).

His text of speech was read out by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Uggah led both the athletes and the crowd to cheer ‘Ooh-ha’ three times before delivering the speech.

Sarawak track breached international standards

KUALA LUMPUR: An international cycling official present at the Malaysia Games BMX competition in Sarawak last month has described the track layout as a clear breach of international safety regulations, reported New Straits Times today.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the event should not have been allowed to go on as the organisers had violated the most important safety regulation for track layout, outlined by the International Cyclists Union (UCI).

A key safety requirement for track layout, according to the UCI guideline, is that the first straight, from the start hill to the first berm (raised bank), must have a minimum distance of 70m.

MALAYSIA’S 28 million people will be rooting for the 32-athlete contigent to end the 60-year wait for the elusive gold medal when the Rio Olympic Games begin here today (Friday in Rio).

Since the 1956 Melbourne Games, Malaysia had recorded a total of six medals with fi ve from badminton and a bronze from diving queen, Pandelela Rinong.

In Rio, the nation has its eyes on badminton star Datuk Lee Chong Wei who is expected to end his bridesmaid role to two-time champion Lin Dan of China in the two previous fi nal in 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games.

PARALIMPIAD: 80 pingat emas sasaran Sarawak

KUCHING: Sebanyak 80 pingat emas disasarkan kontinjen negeri untuk terus mempertahankan kejuaraan bagi kali ke-12 pada Kejohanan Paralimpiad Malaysia XVIII yang berlangsung di sini bermula 6 hingga 10 Ogos ini.

Menteri Kebajikan, Wanita dan Kesejahteraan Komuniti Datuk Fatimah Abdullah berkata sasaran pingat emas tersebut ditetapkan menerusi acara renang, olahraga, pingpong, catur, badminton, boling tenpin dan angkat berat.

“Kita menyasarkan 38 emas bagi acara renang, olahraga 30 emas, tenpin boling lima emas, angkat berat empat emas serta satu emas masing- masing acara pingpong, catur dan badminton,” katanya pada Majlis Penyerahan Bendera Kontinjen Sarawak Ke Kejohanan Paralimpiad Malaysia Ke-18 Sarawak 2016 di Dewan Kompleks Belia dan Sukan Sarawak di sini semalam.

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Dancers stage a performance at the opening.

Dancers stage a performance at the opening.

Dancers stage a performance at the opening.

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