Kota Kinabalu: Both the Sabah Karate Association (SKA) and the Sabah Sports Council had no objection to Eidelweiss Franzel Fancey Sami representing Sarawak at the 21st Sukma Games in Sarawak, where she clinched the gold for karate.
Eidelweiss helped deliver the gold for Sarawak which had never won in karate before.
“Eidelweiss was given the blessing together with Siti Nur Ayssa Tam, Donovan Raphael and Ethan Iskandar Mohamat,” said SKA secretary general Julian Chin, Friday.
The 19-year-old Sabahan won in the women’s +68kg and her achievement has since gone viral with many Sabah netizens asking how someone that was “rejected” by the Sabah team could emerge tops in Sarawak while donning that state’s colours.
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“We congratulated Eidelweiss in delivering a historical moment for Sarawak that ended their 24-year drought for gold in karate.
“Eidelweiss who is a member of Shotokan Karate Association of Sabah (SKAS) represented Kuala Penyu district during the Sabah Games (Saga) 2023 and she managed to win a silver after losing the final to Prisca Philip from Tambunan district in the -68kg category.
“This had narrowed her opportunity to represent Sabah for Sukma 2024 due to the single athlete quota criteria.
However, on February 9, Sabah Sports Council received a letter from Sarawak Sports Council requesting the release of four Sabah karate athletes including Eidelweiss.
“Sabah Sports Council (SSC) and SKA had agreed to allow Eidelweiss and the others to seek opportunities with Sarawak.
“It was to provide more opportunities for young talented Sabahan Karate athletes to develop at the prestigious event.
“Others who did not make it during the Sabah Games selection as a result of their performance or quota factor also sought opportunities with other states such as Kedah and Terengganu with the approval and purview of SKA and Sabah Sports Council,” he said.
He stressed that SKA is always consistent in producing good athletes through various programmes, and competitions as their development is always one of their priorities.
He also said the issue of Eidelweiss’ brother Frans Evans being left out of the Sabah Sukma team despite winning gold at the Saga Games had been resolved back in January after they contacted SKAS.
Meanwhile, the Sabah karate contingent bagged 11 medals in total with two golds, three silvers and six bronzes at the XXI Sarawak Sukma to finish third behind Federal Territories and Johor.
Julian said they are very proud of the athletes’ performance and hope Sabahans will continue to support and appreciate the athletes, coaches, and family for their sacrifices.
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