Sarawak on track to excel in bowling again at Para Sukma
by Ting Tieng Hee · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Jan 11): Sarawak’s para tenpin bowling team have stepped up preparations to mount another strong challenge at the Para Sukma in Selangor this September.
Head coach Myron Khoo Hock Ming said the groundwork for the campaign was laid immediately after the 2024 Para Sukma, reflecting long-term planning and commitment.
“At the moment, we train three times a week but the intensity and frequency will gradually increase as we move closer to the Games,” he told thesundaypost.
Khoo explained that over the next three months, the squad will undergo about 12 training sessions per month, before increasing to 16 sessions in the subsequent phase.
As competition draws nearer, the bowlers will be placed under centralised training, involving up to five consecutive days of intensive sessions, balanced with scheduled rest periods to ensure proper recovery.
An initial training pool of about 60 bowlers has been reduced to 38. Further selection will depend on the completion of functional classification, particularly for visually impaired bowlers competing in the TPB 1, 2 and 3 categories.
“We are still waiting for the classification process to be completed in Kuching, as it involves national-level doctors, especially for visually impaired athletes. Once this is finalised, we can confirm the final squad,” he said.
Sarawak currently have representation across all seven categories contested at Para Sukma although some classes, especially among female athletes, have smaller numbers.
Despite this, Khoo remains confident the team can continue to produce consistent performances.
Sarawak have dominated tenpin bowling at Para Sukma since 2016, having won the overall title at every edition they have competed in.
While Khoo declined to set specific medal targets, he acknowledged that maintaining their seven-gold medal haul from the last edition remains a key objective, with expectations that new faces can provide additional impetus alongside experienced campaigners.
He identified Selangor as Sarawak’s main rival, citing the host state’s depth across all categories.
“Selangor have full teams similar to us, and with many national-level athletes in their ranks, the challenge will definitely be tougher this time,” he remarked.
Sarawak is also planning overseas exposure programmes for both athletes and coaches, with South Korea and Singapore among the destinations under consideration, given their strong bowling development systems.
Meanwhile, four teams (of four para bowlers each) will be fielded at the Sarawak Hornbill Team Cup at Megalanes Sarawak from Jan 26 to 31.