KUCHING (Sept 30): Sarawak has made history in the taekwondo events at the recently concluded Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024, achieving its best-ever performance and earning accolades from the Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Sarawak contingent amassed an impressive total of 11 gold, four silver, and four bronze medals over five days of competition, which took place from August 16. This achievement not only surpassed their previous records—eight gold in 2016 and four gold in 2018—but also positioned Sarawak as the overall champion of Sukma 2024.
Setting New Standards
Sarawak’s taekwondo team showcased their dominance, winning seven gold medals in poomsae and four gold in duel events. Their performance set a high benchmark for future competitions, especially with the next Sukma scheduled for 2026. Team manager Reza Rizvy credited the team’s success to the dedicated athletes, local and foreign coaches like Master Taweesilp Khamnuan, and the support from the Sarawak Sports Council and the Sarawak Taekwondo Association.
“This achievement is the result of the entire team’s effort. Our coaches have been with us for years, and many athletes have trained since childhood, ensuring consistent progress over time,” Reza stated.
Emerging Talents
Sukma 2024 also spotlighted promising young athletes from Sarawak. Eighteen-year-old Joseph Wong and sixteen-year-old Eileen Li made their debuts, winning silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the duel finals. Joseph expressed pride in his performance despite narrowly missing gold, attributing his efforts to the extensive training he received and the guidance of his first coach—his father.
Eileen, who studies at SMK Jalan Arang in Kuching, described her experience as unforgettable, thanking her coaches for their trust in her abilities.
Another newcomer, Maple Law Tsi Eun, won silver in the 53kg category after an intense final, dedicating her achievement to her parents. “Without their support, I wouldn’t be here today,” she remarked.
Winning Mindset
Reza emphasized that while winning is important, the real victory lies in giving one’s best effort. He encouraged all competitors to focus on their performances and personal growth, regardless of the outcomes.
Among the standout performers were AJ Ong Yang Yi and Mohamad Zulhafiz Zulhadi, both 17 years old, hailed as future stars for their impressive gold medal performances in their weight categories.
Complete Medal Tally
Sarawak’s gold medallists in poomsae included Farah Nabilla Maddarus, Siti Yusriyyah Zailani, and Willemien Lai Lini in the women’s team category, along with notable male competitors. The duel events also saw gold medals awarded to AJ Ong Yang Yi, Puteri Durratun Zulaikha Samat, Mohamad Zulhafiz Zulhadi, and Pretty Amisha Amanda Francesca.
In total, Sarawak’s achievement of 11 gold medals reaffirms the state’s position as a formidable force in taekwondo and sets an optimistic tone for future competitions.