Sukma: Sabah Aims Two Gold In E-sport

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Sabah e-sports contingent is targeting two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze at this edition of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

Sabah E-sports Team Manager Mohd Sofihizar Usrah said the pursuit of the two gold medals is focused on the Street Fighter 6, eFootball Mobile (Duo), and Women's E-Chess events.

“The state team comprises 22 athletes, a team manager, eight coaches, a chaperone, and two kitmen.

“Sabah is competing in five categories: Men’s and Women’s Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB), Street Fighter 6, eFootball Mobile, and E-Chess,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

The e-sports events, held at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) Convention Centre, began yesterday and will conclude on Aug 23.

Mohd Sofihizar said preparations for the athletes began in mid-April, progressing from a "long list" to a "short list" selection phase, followed by a three-day, two-night training camp and continuous training sessions that have yielded significant improvements.

He said the team's main challenge was the classification of e-sports under "Category B" in Sabah, which imposed significant constraints on management funding.

“The budget constraints must cover nine days of accommodation and round-trip flight tickets, costing up to RM1,500 per person, for a large contingent," he said.

According to him, competition at this year's Games is expected to be fierce, particularly from states that have invested heavily in developing the e-sports sector.

As such, he said the team's strength would depend not only on gameplay proficiency but also on mental resilience, emotional control and mutual trust among teammates.

He added that almost all the athletes are active players with extensive experience competing in various tournaments both within and outside Sabah.

Mohd Sofihizar said the athletes' health and adequate rest, along with proper hydration, are among the team's top priorities given the packed competition schedule, which runs from 8 am to 10.30 pm.

He also reminded the athletes to remain focused and mentally resilient, noting that upsets could happen and even star players had previously failed to reach the finals.

"I hope all Sabah esports fans will pray for our success in contributing medals for our beloved state of Sabah.

"It is also my hope that we can be elevated to the 'Category A' sports classification so that esports can develop and grow more rapidly, allowing us to nurture more high-potential athletes," he said.

-- BERNAMA