The wushu team of Brunei Darussalam national contingent to the 21st Malaysian Games (SUKMA XXI) arrived home to a heroes’ welcome yesterday following impressive displays at the games in Kuching, Sarawak.
National wushu star Walid Lachkar joined the exclusive company of champions in major competitions after winning gold in the men’s daoshu event with 9.613 points.
He also enjoyed his maiden podium finish at SUKMA after winning bronze in the men’s changquan event with a total of 9.580 points.
Walid Lachkar, who has dedicated the accomplishment to his late mother, said, “My next plan is to focus on the next games and more training obviously. There is still more room to improve.”
He continued, “Before SUKMA, I was in China for two weeks training daily intensively morning and afternoon. It was very tiring but I guess it was worth it.”
The wushu sensation also expressed his gratitude to the government, coach, family, teammates and friends for their support and encouragement.
Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud draped a sash on the gold medallist and greeted the delegation on arrival at the Brunei International Airport.
Director of Youth and Sports Development at the MCYS Zainab binti Haji Morshidi, Director of Youth and Sports Hajah Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim, Acting Deputy Director of Youth and Sports Hajah Noor Maslina binti Haji Sulaiman as well as officers from the Youth and Sports Department were also present. Meanwhile, the final group of the national contingent to SUKMA XXI left for Kuching yesterday.
The group comprised eight people – e-sports athletes and coach as well as chess athlete and coach. Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal was present to see the group off at the airport and gave his words of advice. Hajah Noor Maslina and officers at the Youth and Sports Department were also present.
E-sports events begin tomorrow at the Swinburne University while the chess games will take place at UiTM Jubilee Hall the same day. – Fadhil Yunus & Lyna Mohamad
