SARAWAK SHUTTLERS IN GOOD SPIRITS, SAYS CDM

SIBU, July 17 (Bernama) -- Sarawak shuttlers are in good spirits and busy readying themselves for the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) to be held in the state from Aug 17 to 24.

Sarawak SUKMA chef de mission (CDM) Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said two of them who are currently under the Pelapis Negara Programme in Bukit Jalil will be coming back early next month for centralised training.

“They will be coming back early August (to Kuching) and joining our team to train together in Sibu right after. They are in good spirits. We are hoping that we can convert some of this into our gold medals,” he told reporters after inspecting the Rejang Park Volleyball Stadium here today.

Rentap, who is also Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, said the venue for the badminton event at Sibu Indoor Stadium is almost ready for the Games, with only some lightings need to be replaced to give better illumination.

Meanwhile, on the volleyball stadium, he said final touches are being carried out with the installation of a 6.4m wide and 3.538m high LCD panel costing RM50,000 that is expected to provide a better experience for spectators of the volleyball matches.

In terms of preparation, Rentap said the men’s team are currently undergoing morning and afternoon training.

“We are hoping that they could improve their stamina and fitness. It is hopeful they could pick up their stamina which stand around 85 to 86 per cent, in three weeks’ time,” he said and hoped that the team could watch their health during this time when the weather is very warm in Sibu.

As for the women's team he said they are currently gaining exposure in Thailand.

In the 2022 SUKMA, the men's volleyball team won the gold medal, while the women's volleyball team won the bronze medal.

-- BERNAMA