KUCHING, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Sarawak’s taekwondo exponents proved to be in a league of their own, sweeping all four gold medals in the poomsae category at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) held at the Unity Stadium here today.
The golden streak for Sarawak kicked off when the duo of Fedealis Kom Anak Twim and Farah Nabilla Maddarus clinched victory in the mixed pair freestyle final, scoring the highest with 6.24 points to set the gold rush rolling.
Sarawak's second gold came through Chin Ken Haw, topped the men’s individual freestyle event with a score of 7.23, followed by Zara Nur Zafirah Mohd Yusof, who claimed gold in the women’s individual freestyle with 6.50 points.
The momentum continued as the trio of Fedealis-Ken Haw-Randy Owen Augustine Linggi dominated the open team freestyle event, scoring 7.13 points to secure Sarawak’s fourth gold and adding to the host contingent’s impressive tally.
Speaking to reporters after his second final, double gold medallist Ken Haw described his perseverance, competing through the pain of a foot injury, as worthwhile after helping Sarawak achieve their remarkable home-ground triumph.
“I felt that today my performance was okay, I did the best that I could given the circumstance I am now still recovering from a foot injury, I couldn’t walk last week, but of course, there’s more I can improve on and I will continue to go back to improve.
“There was a chance that I could have pulled out but in my mind I (told myself) this is my first and last SUKMA, I wanted to compete in this given that I’m representing Sarawak in Sarawak,” the 20-year-old athlete from the podium programme said.
Overall, Sarawak collected a total of seven gold medals in the poomsae category, which concluded today, having secured three golds yesterday.
The focus now shifts to the sparring events, scheduled to run until next Tuesday.
-- BERNAMA
