Kota Kinabalu: Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS) is not upset with the decision to exclude include Eidleweiss Franzel Fancey Sami in the State Sukma squad but is seeking transparency from the State Selection Committee in choosing Sukma 2024 Karate athletes.
Its President Simon Chia said they have never made any statement questioning the exclusion of Eidelweiss in the State Sukma team in light of recent media coverage and netizens’ reactions over her success with Sarawak.
He extended his gratitude on behalf of SKAS to Sabah Sports Council for facilitating Eidelweiss’ participation under Sarawak, which according to him, has greatly contributed to her growth as an athlete.
He also congratulated the Sabah karate team for their outstanding performance at the Sukma Games by winning 11 medals to finish third overall as a testament to the dedication and skill of the athletes, coaches, and support staff.
SPONSORED CONTENT Hajiji says young business professionals' inputs needed to develop Sabah Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said he welcomed inputs from young business professionals to assist in policy formulation. Read more However, he said the criteria used to select state Sukma athletes must be disclosed to ensure fairness following the exclusion of Eidelweiss’ brother Frans Evans despite winning the gold medal in the Sabah Games (Saga) 2023, representing Kuala Penyu.
“The decision to drop Evans has raised questions within the karate community and from the Samis, who were understandably perplexed and disappointed.
“Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin had earlier stated that Saga was a platform for athletes from 28 districts across Sabah to compete before being identified and selected to represent the State in the Malaysia Games.
“This clearly emphasised that Saga will be used to select the best athletes to represent Sabah. However, these selection criteria if they exist at all, should be known to all parties concerned, especially team managers, not just a selected few.
“Therefore, SKAS requests transparency in the selection process to ensure it aligns with the Minister’s vision,” he said, Saturday.
“Transparency ensures fairness. Athletes and the managers must know the criteria in detail before major events like the Sabah Games to enable them to plan accordingly to avoid confusion as experienced by Frans Evans and his family,” he added.
He also clarified that only a Whatsapp message was received from Sabah Karate Association concerning Evans on Jan 21.
“The message was offering Frans Evans the chance to represent another state. No explanation was given for his omission from representing Sabah.
“There was also no follow-up communication after that, leaving all parties in uncertainty as a result.”
He stressed that SKAS remains committed to working collaboratively with all parties to ensure a fair and effective selection process that supports the success of all athletes in the future.
He suggested the inclusion of representatives from various karate associations in the selection Committee for a more inclusive evaluation.
He added that the communication between Sabah Karate Association and all district-level associations and clubs must be effective.
The selection criteria must also be clear and transparent to manage expectations and encourage high standards.
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