KUCHING, 20 FEBRUARY 2025 – Sarawak’s veteran badminton doubles pair, Yusriazmi Yusuf and Affendi Merican, have stormed into the semi-finals of the MAKSAK 2025 Championship after a thrilling victory over Negeri Sembilan’s Omizee Omar and Wan Mohd Farid Wan Jaafar. The match, held at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya, showcased their resilience and determination as they fought their way to a well-deserved win.
The Sarawakian duo, both Physical Education and Health teachers, will now brace themselves for a challenging semi-final clash against the formidable pairing of Mohd Zaidi and Teh Cheang Hock from MAKSAK Penang. The upcoming match promises intense competition as both teams aim for a spot in the finals.
Determined to Bring Glory to Sarawak
In an exclusive interview with UKAS reporters, Yusriazmi shared insights into their preparation, revealing that they had undergone rigorous physical and mental training for three weeks leading up to the tournament.
“The Sarawak team is fully prepared. This is my first time competing in the veteran category, and we are coming in with fresh enthusiasm and a strong determination to win,” said Yusriazmi.
The duo’s journey in MAKSAK has been inspiring, especially after Sarawak finished as runners-up in the MAKSAK 2024 edition held in Terengganu. With refined strategies and valuable experience from past tournaments, they are now setting their sights on clinching the championship title this year.
Historic Hosting for Sarawak
MAKSAK 2025 marks a significant milestone for Sarawak as it hosts the championship for the first time. The prestigious event not only highlights Sarawak’s capabilities in organizing major sporting tournaments but also provides a home-court advantage for local athletes.
With passionate local supporters rallying behind them, Yusriazmi and Affendi are determined to give their best performance and bring pride to Sarawak in the MAKSAK 2025 badminton championship. — EDISI UKAS
