Silambam exponents from Perak did well at the recently concluded SUKMA XXI in Sarawak by bringing home six golds out of the 14 categories completed.
They also grabbed two silvers and two bronzes. The Perak contingent also won a bronze medal in the kabbadi competition.
However, the feat did not come easy as the competitors had to train on a first floor of a shoplot.
State Exco for Human Resources, Health and Indian Community Affairs Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said,” we did extremely well but the existing training ground is not suitable for the exponents to gear themselves up for competitions.
“We have identified a piece of land in the city and submitted the application to the state government. “I will ensure that the land will be approved.
“We want to build a sports arena so that they can train in a conducive environment. It will not only cater for silambam and kabbadi but for other sports as well,” he told reporters after presenting mock cheques to Persatuan Silambam Negeri Perak and Persatuan Kabbadi Negeri Perak.
The contributions of RM5,000 each to the two associations from the state government were held at an appreciation event held recently.