Host Sarawak targets over 60 Sukma gold medals

Sarawak, the host of 18th Malaysia Games (Sukma), aims to win over 60 gold medals in the biennial games starting on July 22.

Chef-de-mission Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said they are banking on volleyball, takwondo, tenpin bowling, petanque, aquatic and wushu to deliver the gold medals.

"I will be disappointed if we do not win the volleyball gold medal," he told reporters after the pre-launch of Sibu Indoor Stadium at Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama today by Sarawak State Secretary, Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani.

He hopes that Sarawak can spring a surprise in badminton although Penang is expected to dominate the sport since the state has an excellence centre.

Some 468 badminton and volleyball players will converge here for Sukma.

Badminton matches will be played in Sibu Indoor Stadium while volleyball will be contested at Taman Rejang Stadium.

Sarawak last hosted Sukma in 1990 in which it emerged overall champions.

The state also won the overall title in 1992 and 1994.