KOTA KINABALU, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- Despite facing challenges with outdated sports equipment, Sabah gymnasts remain determined in their quest to bring home medals for the state at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA 2024).
Sabah artistic gymnastics coach Azri Omar said that it is high time the gymnastics equipment, particularly at the Gymnastics Hall of Likas Sports Complex, which are over 20 years old, be replaced to ensure the athletes' safety.
At the same time, he said that the replacement of better, more complete, and modern sports equipment could motivate athletes to improve their performance and attract new talents to the sport.
"I hope that after this, the gymnastics equipment will be replaced because it has been over 20 years, whether in Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan.
"I hope for improvements in the equipment. Previously, there were some pieces of equipment provided by MSN (National Sports Council), but now safety during training is crucial," he told Bernama.
In SUKMA 2024, the Sabah artistic gymnastics team are aiming for a gold medal in the individual horizontal bar category, while in the team event, they hope to secure a medal and maintain the success achieved in the previous SUKMA in Kuala Lumpur.
For the record, the Sabah men's artistic gymnastics team won a silver medal in the team event at the SUKMA two years ago.
Meanwhile, Sabah's rhythmic gymnastics squad team manager for SUKMA 2024, Jasmine Law said that a spacious, high, and suitable training hall is urgently needed as the existing facilities are very limited.
"There are not enough facilities because more and more young people are becoming interested in rhythmic gymnastics. We hope to have a suitable place for training in this sport," she said.
Jasmine added that the athletes always strive to do their best to win medals for the Sabah contingent, despite facing challenges with equipment and training space.
She noted that the Sabah rhythmic gymnastics team, comprising gymnasts aged 13 to 15, is targeted to win at least three bronze medals in the team event and in the floor exercise for the hoop and clubs disciplines.
-- BERNAMA
