Perak’s top golfers got in a training round at Meru Valley Resort recently in preparation for the SUKMA (Sukan Malaysia) Games scheduled to take place in Johor next March.
The Perak golf team – comprising Ilysia Yasmin, Mohamad Farhat, Lekisha Sasitharan, Muhammad Hariz Hezri, Hadi Irfan, Lucas Yee, Charlayne Chong Shin Ling, Eldrick Chong Ming Loong, Maisarah Hezri and Allycia Gan – have also commenced on-course training at some of Perak’s other golf courses.
Only four boys and three girls will be selected for the state squad to play in the 2021 SUKMA Games, which means the Perak selection committee has the daunting task of selecting the best among a talented crop of young players.
“I’ve been playing golf since I was three years old. I used to follow my dad to the driving range and watch him play and now it has become my lifeline,” said 16-year-old Lekisha. “I’m thankful for my parents who still support me in my pursuit to becoming a professional golfer, and I believe SUKMA will be a stepping stone for me.”
Taiping-born Ilysia is eager to make a go for the state squad, saying, “I’m really proud to be part of the Perak team and to be playing for SUKMA; it’s a whole new experience and I’m definitely eyeing for the title.”
The tracking and analysis of the individual performances from now onwards will finally help select the state team based on merit and consistency.
If selected, the 2021 edition will be 17-year-old Farhat’s second time representing the state, the first being SUKMA 2018. “If I’m selected once again, I will perform my best and make Perak proud,” he said.
Director of Perak State Sports Council, Johari Sham Ahmad Shohor Affendi, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Meru Valley Resort for hosting the training session for the state team.
