Infra, coaches can produce more gymnasts
Published on: Monday, October 02, 2023
By: Winnie Kasmir
Vivian (back row centre) with the guest judges and Sandakan gymnasts.
SANDAKAN: Complete infrastructure and equipment for gymnastic can produce more athletes in future.
Chairman of Sandakan Gymnastics Club Mohd Zambri Din said gymnastics is getting popular among youngsters however they are facing constraints in providing training in a beneficial aspect.
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“This year alone, number of gymnasts has increased from over 100 since last year to over 200 this year. So I hope this number will accelerate,” he said.
“Our Sabahan gymnasts especially from interior of Tambunan who do not have proper gymnasium training but after being trained by State coaches, they managed to win one silver medal and five bronze medals from the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) recently, in Perlis.
“Imagine if we have more coaches in Sabah and complete infrastructure furthermore if it has been organised well, we will be able to produce more athletes with enormous potential,” he said.
Mohd Zambri said this after being met by media during the Sandakan Eagles Gymnastic Cup 2023 (Grading and Competition) at the Sibuga Sports Complex, on Saturday.
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He added that most of the equipment at the Sports Complex’s gymnastics gymnasium were given by Sandakan Gymnastics Club in 2001.
“This means the equipment’s is 22 years old, worn out and need to be replaced with new ones to ensure safety of the athletes during training,” he explained further.
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This third tournament championship was attended by 240 participants aged 5 to 18 years from seven gymnastics clubs, four from Sabah and three from Peninsular Malaysia.
Among the judges were former Olympic athlete Farah Ann Abdul Hadi and National Artistic Gymnast Tan Ing Yueh who represents the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation.
Meanwhile Member of Parliament Vivian Wong, who officiated the tournament, said her side will do everything possible to urge the government for allocations to upgrade the Sibuga Sports Complex can be given immediately.
“During the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s visit to the Sports Complex last year, Hannah herself said that her party will allocate funds for the sports complex and this includes upgrading our gymnastics gymnasium,” said Vivian.
Vivian also said the infrastructure of the Sports Complex needs to be given attention in order for the athletes to train in safe and conducive conditions.
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