IPOH – The Perak Muay Thai team, comprised of world-class champions, appear poised to maintain their winning streak at the 2024 Sukma in Sarawak, scheduled from August 17 to 24.
Under the guidance of head coach Bernard Radin, the team’s relentless training regimen and exposure to high-stakes international bouts indicate a seamless journey towards their Sukma aspirations.
Bernard said that in the past year alone, they organised two Muay Thai championships in Ipoh – one in August with a team from Thailand and another in December with a team from Indonesia.
These events were instrumental in enhancing the readiness and competency of the athletes.
“We aim to produce world-class athletes and achieve peak performance, so participation in competitions with international athletes plays a crucial role.
“We returned just last week from Koh Samui, Thailand, where we participated in a tournament.
“There are a few more bouts to go before the final preparations are completed,” he said.
As the state team geared up during a training session today, Bernard addressed their medal target for Sukma.
“For Sukma in Perak (in 2018), we had set a target of two gold medals and we managed to get more for the Perak contingent, just like in Kuala Lumpur (2022) where we had set a target of three gold medals but managed to get four gold medals, one silver medal and two bronze medals with eight competitors.
“If we look at the recent performances of the Perak Muay Thai team, all our athletes are in top form and we are waiting to see what the National Sports Council will determine later.
“There may be changes in the respective categories to ensure that the athletes sent will bring home medals,” he said. – January 4, 2023