Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah athletes improving in every championship
Published on: Thursday, December 14, 2023
By: Jinni Juanis
The SKAS team that participated in the EMZSK championship in Miri.
Kota Kinabalu: Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS) athletes are getting better and better in every championship.
Most recently 11 SKAS athletes showcased their talent in both Kata and Kumite events during the East Malaysia Zone Shitoryu Karate (EMZSK) championship held in Miri Sarawak from December 9-10.
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This outing marked the first participation for most of these athletes outside of Sabah.
Its president Simon Chia said, SKAS achieved commendable results, securing one gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals, reflecting their dedication and skill.
The team was led by Norhasmiza Dol Hamid as the Team Manager, who commended that the SKAS team performed admirably.
The event drew participation from 17 teams from Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan, Brunei, Selangor, Singapore and PDRM encompassing over 350 participants ranging from 6-year-olds to veterans in both male and female categories.
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“The level of competition was intense, evident in certain categories that necessitated the creation of two pools, where SKAS athletes competed.
“Some categories were extremely challenging due to the overwhelming entries,” said Chia.
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Noteworthy victories included Muhammad Hazeem Al Rayyan Muhammad Imran Voo securing the gold medal, triumphing over teammate Fanz Xavier Fancey Sami in a thrilling final.
The silver medals were earned by Yong Kai Le, Ethan Yee Victor and Isen Chong Kai Yuan from Team Kata. They were faced off against the seasoned Sarawak Team Kata Champions.
Individual Kata performances by Yong Kai Le and Fanz Xavier Fancey Sami added to SKAS’ medal tally, while 4 bronze medals were secured by Siti Nurqurratu Ain Masleh @ Masly (Kata & Kumite), Isen Chong Kai Yuan and Ethan Yee Victor in Individual Kata events.
Highlighting the potential seen in athletes progressing despite a few falling short in the semi-finals Chia said: “We witnessed promising fighters among our ranks.”
Meanwhile, SKAS gears up for two upcoming events that are SKAS 3rd Upgrading and Sabah Games X (Saga). This is scheduled for this weekend and next week, respectively.
The association is notably sending a larger contingent to this round of Saga compared to previous editions, said Chia.
On another note, Simon expressed gratitude to Sensei Ngui Siong Fong, the EMZSK 2023 organiser for inviting SKAS to participate in the championship.
He also extended appreciation to the parents of SKAS athletes for their sacrifices in supporting their children.
“The recruitment for 2024 is now opened. For further information or inquiries those interested can contact the association,” he added.
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