By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 27: Sarawakian athletes are making headlines on the international stage with a string of remarkable victories, as the State government doubles down on its commitment to high-performance sports development.
“I am proud to inform this August House that Mr Sunny Sii Poh Heng, the President of Amateur Tenpin Bowling Association of Sarawak and Deputy President Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress was honoured with the esteemed Anugerah Kepimpinan Sukan Negara at the Majlis Sukan Negara Awards on 13th May 2025,” said Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today.
“This national accolade acknowledges his exceptional leadership in the development of sports in Sarawak and throughout Malaysia, and stands as a source of inspiration for future generations of sports leaders,” he added.
He went on to highlight the achievements of several outstanding Sarawakian athletes who have excelled in recent international competitions.
Daeloniel McDelon Bong, also known as ‘Kilat Boy’, received a special invitation to the IBA Intercontinental Boxing Event. He is currently ranked No 1 in the Super Bantam Weight category in Malaysia, 210 globally, and No 10 in the World Boxing Championship (WBC) Asia rankings. He is set to contend for the WBC Intercontinental Title Match in December 2025.
Meanwhile, Gideon Riquelme Jonathan competed in the World Boxing Championship in the Middle Weight 70kg category on March 29, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, where he defeated an Australian opponent via Technical Knockout.
In bowling, Nur Hazirah Ramli placed third and won a bronze medal at the Professional Women Bowling Association (PWBA) United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Queens 2025, held from May 14 to May 20, 2025 at Suncoast Bowling Center, Las Vegas, USA.
Ethan Damien Goh Chen Ming clinched the title at the 43rd Malaysian International Open Bowling Championship 2025, continuing Sarawak’s winning streak in the event.
In the field of golf, Mirabel Ting made history by becoming the first Asian golfer to win the prestigious Annika Sörenstam Award in California. The award, established in 2014 and presented by Stifel, honours the top NCAA Division One female golfer as voted by coaches, players and media after the NCAA Championship.
Another rising star, Joshua Lim Zhi Xin, a SUKMA XXI Sarawak team silver medallist, captured his first major title at the Royal Selangor Golf Club’s Junior International Golf Championship on May 22 this year.
“These accomplishments from various sporting events highlight the effectiveness of SSC’s Athlete Development System and its commitment to provide athletes with the exposure and competitive experience needed to excel on the global stage.
“This targeted approach reflects a strategic restructuring of the State’s sports development programmes, aimed at raising these key disciplines to new levels of excellence and performance,” said Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman.
The minister also reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to making Sarawak a regional sports hub.
“Led by SSC, key initiatives include upgrading grassroots and elite sports facilities to boost access, talent development and quality of life,” he said.
“A highlight is the redevelopment of Stadium Sarawak, set to meet international standards with smart and athlete-friendly features.
“SSC will roll out a Critical Maintenance Audit Plan to ensure long-term sustainability.”
He added that Sarawak’s competitive edge is being strengthened through a focused development strategy involving fourteen high-potential sports with strong medal prospects — including golf, taekwondo, tenpin bowling, swimming and diving, boxing, Muay Thai, athletics, archery, silat, squash, volleyball, artistic gymnastics, wushu and lawn bowl.
“These successes affirm that we are on the right path. They inspire the next generation and position Sarawak as a sports powerhouse in the region,” said Abdul Karim. — DayakDaily
