Penang aims for three gold medals in Sukma 2020 after dismal 2018 performance

GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Amateur Athletics Association (PAAA) have set a target of three gold medals in the upcoming Malaysian Games (Sukma), scheduled from September 29 to October 8.

Speaking to The Vibes, Penang Athletics secretary V. Govindasamy said that the association is confident of landing gold medals in the men’s javelin throw, 10km walk, and decathlon events.

He said that there is a high possibility that Penang can win gold in these three events compared to the other 41 events that the state will be participating in.

“We have better chances in these three events than other events. 

Govindasamy said after an insipid performance in the 2018 Sukma in Ipoh, the Penang athletics body is looking to bounce back this year.

In 2018, Penang only managed to win one silver medal through heptathlete Koh Ann Yi and a bronze medal through Hong Xyan in the women’s 800m.

Despite finishing with 32 gold, 30 silver, and 30 bronze medals for an overall seventh placing, the athletics team failed to win gold out of the 45 events that took place.

At the same time, the association is confident with the work of its coaches – Rifat Artikov and his wife Olyesa Gasparyan of Uzbekiztan, and U. Viknasvaran. They have prepared the athletes for this year’s Sukma well.

“They (Rifat and Olyesa) joined us five years ago and we have seen some (positive) results as the performance of the athletes at the national schools’ athletics meet (MSSM) was better than before.

“Rifat and Olyesa have helped us unearth talents in the athletics scene,” he said.

At the same time, Govindasamy added that Penang is looking to reproduce good athletes such as track & field queen Datuk Marina Chin, 400m wonder Saik Oik Cum and heptathlon specialist Datuk Zaiton Othman

“It has been long since we saw such athletes represent Penang. It is time for us to produce top athletes such as them as we have so many talents in our pool of young athletes.

“We need to revive a systematic programme among schools to groom these athletes, which would make Penang a powerhouse in athletics again,” he said.

Meanwhile, Govindasamy said that parents play a crucial role in the development of young athletes.

“They are the support system and with their guidance, an athlete excels. 

“With the backing of their families, the youngsters feel at ease to continue their rigorous training schedule and to make the necessary sacrifices,” he said. – The Vibes, August 30, 2022.