Eidelweiss holds up her medal after her win. – Ukas photo
SHAH ALAM (Aug 22): Sarawak karate exponent Eidelweiss Franzel Fancey successfully defended her women’s kumite 68kg-and-above gold medal at Sukma XXII Selangor 2026 here on Friday.
The 20-year-old defeated Terengganu’s Mirza Amirah Syuhada Mohd Faizal 3-0 in the final held at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) here.
Eidelweiss, who also won gold at Sukma 2024 in Sarawak, said she was grateful for the continued support from her coaches, family, friends and teammates.
“This is my second gold, with the first coming at Sukma 2024 in Sarawak. I am very happy and grateful,” she said after the medal presentation.
The medal was presented by Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
Eidelweiss said her preparations for the Games included intensive training under coach Jarvis Julian, with sessions held five days a week in the morning and evening at Kampung Sukan Miri.
The Universiti Malaysia Sabah student also credited the support of her parents and friends as a major source of motivation throughout her involvement in karate.
She dedicated the gold medal to her late former coach, Sensei Simon Chia, who passed away this year.
“I would like to dedicate this gold medal to Sensei Simon Chia, who passed away this year. I started training with him in 2022,” she said.
Looking ahead, Eidelweiss said she would continue training in preparation for the Sukan Institusi Pendidikan Tinggi (SUKIPT).
She also expressed her readiness to represent Malaysia at the SEA Games or other international competitions if given the opportunity.
Meanwhile, Sarawak added one silver and one bronze medal on the opening day of the karate competition.
Muhammad Haziq Mohammad Shamsudin secured silver in the men’s kumite 67kg-and-below after losing 5-0 to Johor’s Leidaneswaran Asaithamby in the final.
Jaclyn Saran Peter contributed a bronze in the women’s kumite 68kg-and-below after defeating Pahang’s representative 3-0 in the bronze medal bout.
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