Age an issue for Sukma boxers

Kota Kinabalu: The state Sukma boxing squad may need to make some changes if the new dates for the biennial Games is moved to next year, said its head coach Fabian Tonny Peter (pic) on Saturday.

This is because three of their athletes currently on the list are 21-year-old and as a result, Haikal Hassim (49kg), Azrullah Sulaiman (64kg), Muhd Izzat Akmal Kamal (81kg) will not be able to compete if is to be held in Johor next year.

The Games which was initially scheduled to be held in July this year have been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was announced by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican on Wednesday following the Sukma Supreme Committee meeting, via video conference.

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However, the new dates will only be decided at a meeting to be held likely in May, where the majority have agreed to two suggested dates, either in December or in 2021.

“We are having a bit of dilemma at the moment because these three athletes are definitely won’t be able to participate if it is to be held next year.

“However, I won’t be able to make any comment on their status right now. It is only up to Sabah Sports Council (MSN) and the state association to find a solution if the Games is not held this December.

“As their coach, I will only advise them to continue training at home just like the others with the programmes that we have set for them,” he said.

“All the athletes must take care of their own health with healthy food intake and maintain their body weight which is extremely important in this sport.

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“It is likely that we may return to full training in October if the new dates for the Games is in December , and I want them to be hundred percent ready once we receive the green light from MSN, ” added the former state boxer who is assisted by Datu Segan Adis.

Meanwhile, the other boxers on the list are national back-up athlete Joel Evekly Jain (52kg) who won the gold at the National Junior Championship in February and Rosshazmie Roslan (60kg) who took the silver in the same competition, while the others are Sabah Games winners Fabio Peter Fabian (56kg), Maxsinery Motinin (69kg) and Mohd Syawal Azmee (75kg).

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