SRI AMAN: Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is optimistic that the Sarawak boxing squad is capable to win more than one gold medal which is targeted at the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Abdul Karim said he is confident after witnessing the excellent performance of Sarawak’s boxers at the 2022 Sarawak Open Boxing Championship which was held at Sri Aman Indoor Stadium recently.
“From what we have seen, we more or less know the level of confidence and ability of the Sarawak boxing team in SUKMA.
“God willing, we will be able to contribute more than one gold medal.
“The gold target for boxing is at least one gold medal but my hope is to see more than that,” he said.
In the meantime, he said Sri Aman has the potential to become a centre for the development of boxing in Sarawak after seeing the positive response to the tournament.
He said that the Sarawak Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) had managed to organize the tournament very well considering the overwhelming response to the event since August 15.
Earlier, SABA President, Datuk Rahman Lariwoo hoped the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development would give the green light to host the Southeast Asian World Junior Boxing Championships in Sarawak.
“I sincerely hope that our Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development agrees to organize a boxing tournament on a larger scale in Sarawak in the future,” said Rahman.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development II Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor and acting permanent secretary of the Ministry Nancy Jolhi.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s boxer, Daeloniel McDelon Bong or ‘Kilat Boy’ vowed to give his best to contribute a gold medal to the Sarawak contingent at the Sukma Games.
He said, his confidence to win his first gold medal in the Sukma Games has increased following his series of successes in national and international championships as well as an intensified training regime.
“I am more confident to contribute a gold medal to Sarawak at the SUKMA Games held in Kuala Lumpur later.
“Of course, I will improve my training after this to face the upcoming tournament,” he said.
Another boxer, Jackson Chambai Ikeh also echoed Daeloniel’s sentiments, saying that he will undergo intensified training regime in preparation for SUKMA.
At the Sarawak Open Boxing Championship 2022, Daeloniel delighted thousands of home fans by clinching the gold after defeating Muhammad Ridzuan Mohd Razali of the Royal Soldier Regiment in a three-round clash.
Jackson also won gold after Muhammad Abdul Qayum from the National Sports Council (MSN) withdrew from the final match.
The Sarawak squad also won two more gold medals from Rais Arsyad Sulam and Mohd Helmi Chieng.
In addition, Darren Ch’ng Yong Kui and Mohamed Rafieq Murshidi contributed silver while Mohd Syawal Isham and Wilson Berayin brought home bronze medals.
Darren was also crowned the tournament’s Most Potential Athlete award.
