KUCHING: The Sarawak Para chess team is fine-tuning its strategy and athlete readiness through an intensive centralised training camp in preparation for hunting gold medals at the XXI Selangor 2026 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA).

Assistant Coach for the Sarawak Para Chess Team, Muhammad Zulfakar Abu Bakar, said the month-long training camp at Penview Hotel involves 12 athletes, focusing on time management, game strategy, as well as mental and physical preparation.

According to him, training — which was previously conducted online — has been elevated through the centralised camp to address technical challenges, particularly involving athletes in the Visually Impaired category.

He added that the new coaching lineup has also introduced new approaches and game strategies to enhance the team’s competitiveness ahead of the games.

“Our hope is that the athletes can play calmly and control their nerves because they have trained hard, thereby ensuring they perform to their true potential during the competition,” he said.

He said this when met by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) reporters during the centralised training at Penview Hotel, here on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sarawak contingent chess athlete, Muhammad Zahir, 29, expressed confidence that the team can achieve excellent results after undergoing daily training that encompasses game analysis as well as competition among fellow athletes and coaches.

“The boost of morale and support received further fuels our spirit to target gold medals beyond the original goal,” he said.

He, who has represented Sarawak since 2012, mentioned that the experience also serves as motivation to deliver his best performance at this edition of the games.

In the meantime, the training session also received a visit from the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah who delivered a address and a message of support from the wife of the Governor of Sarawak, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Sanusi.

Through the address, Dato Sri Fatimah reminded the athletes to maintain mental composure, take care of their physical health, and adhere to discipline throughout the competition.

She also stressed the importance of unity and strong commitment grounded in the slogan ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngalaban’ in efforts to defend the Sarawak Para contingent’s overall championship title.

The Sarawak Para chess team features 12 athletes who will compete in the B1, B2/B3, and Physical categories for the Standard and Rapid events.

The team is scheduled to depart for Selangor on a special flight alongside the rest of the Sarawak Para contingent. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photos: Ezzah Syafiqah
Translator: Ryan Lim