SUKMA: Sabah Rhythmic Gymnastics Squad Determined To Put Up A Tough Fight

By Rohana Nasrah

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Sabah’s rhythmic gymnastics squad is determined to put up a tough fight as they make their second Malaysia Games (SUKMA) appearance at the 21st SUKMA in Sarawak that begins on Aug 17.

Team manager Jasmine Law Phaik Chuan said that the team of nine 13- to 15-year-olds were capable of winning at least three bronze medals, in the team event, as well as the group hoop and clubs events, based on their capabilities shown throughout a year of training, their track records and performance at the previous SUKMA in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.

“We placed fifth in the team event in the Kuala Lumpur SUKMA, which was a good try as it was our debut at the Games and an important experience for us.

“This time, we’re trying for at least a bronze in the team event,” she told Bernama during a training session at Likas Sports Complex recently.

Jasmine, who is coaches the team along with Corina S Binting and former national gymnast Zovi Tie Yu Pei, said that they realised they needed to prepare earlier on so that the gymnasts could build up their stamina and put on better performances.

“We can say we’re 90 per cent prepared, we just have to conduct intensive training and full centralised training, which will be held in two sessions from Aug 8 to 14,” she said, adding that Zovi’s experience as a former national gymnast was been used fully to manage the choreography for the team and individual events.

-- BERNAMA