SIBU (March 6): Sarawak judokas returned from the National Judo Championship held in Lumut, Perak last weekend with four gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

Leng Ko Jia, 15, stole the limelight as she bagged a gold medal each in the women’s 70kg junior and cadet categories.

The other gold medalists were Tan Xin Hung in women’s 90kg junior category and Ashley Tan in women’s 52kg youth category.

The silver medalists were Lee Yi Han in women’s 70kg, Michael Jerim in men’s 60kg cadet and Leng Ko Bing in women’s 48kg youth while the bronze medalists were Lee Yi Han in women’s 70kg junior and Lau Swee Hung in men’s 90kg junior.

Sarawak Judo Association (PJS) Ngiam Sze Yuan said the results were beyond expectations.

“The players gave their best at the championship and were all out to win something for the state,” he added.

Following the achievement at the national championship, Ngiam said he has high hopes for all the players who will be representing Sarawak at Sukma 2024 in Mukah.

“Leng and Tan are superb and they have the potential to go far,” he added.

Ngiam said it was unfortunate that Sukma-bound Elisha Noel Dylan and Clarisse Chelsea Jerim suffered injuries during the Lumut championship.

“Elisha suffered a broken arm which could take him several months to heal while Clarisse suffered from minor arm fractures. Hopefully, both will recover in time for the coming Sukma.”

Meanwhile, Ngiam said their current Japanese coach Igarashi Jumpei has been working hard to ensure the team stay solid and ready for action.

“Since Igarashi took over coaching last year, the state team had shown marked improvement. Hopefully, the players will persevere and continue to work under the coach to produce the desired results.”-TheBorneoPost