Labuan siblings secure third straight victory in Kayak Challenge

Borneo Post

27-04-2025

The Chief Executive Officer of Labuan Corporation, Mohd Sukuran Taib, showcases the largest catch of a Black Marlin weighing 230 kilograms, landed by a participant in the Deep Sea Fishing Challenge held in conjunction with the Labuan International Sea Challenge 2025 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex on Sunday.-Bernama photo
LABUAN (April 27): Local siblings Nadzmar Sukarno and Shahdan Sukarno continued their remarkable dominance in sea sports by clinching their third consecutive victory in the Labuan International Round Island Kayak Challenge 2025.
Representing the Labuan Canoe Association, the brothers showcased outstanding endurance and determination by winning the 51.2-kilometre race, despite undergoing only three months of training ahead of the competition.
The Labuan Round Island Kayak Challenge, renowned for its demanding course that circumnavigates Labuan Island, drew 48 participants from various states across Malaysia, and neighbouring Brunei.
Competitors battled strong sea currents, unpredictable weather, and open-water conditions, making it a true test of physical and mental strength.
Labuan Corporation chief executive officer, Mohd Sukuran Taib praised the brothers' achievement, noting that their success underscores the growing strength of Labuan's athlete development programmes.
He said their achievement reaffirmed their status as among Malaysia's top kayak athletes.
'The victory of Nadzmar and Shahdan for the third year in a row is a testament to their exceptional discipline, skill, and perseverance.
'Winning an event of this scale and difficulty with only three months of preparation is simply remarkable.
'This success also reflects the effectiveness of Labuan's ongoing efforts to nurture sporting talent, particularly in sea sports. It is achievements like these that inspire young athletes to strive for excellence,' he said to Bernama after the event's closing ceremony on Sunday.
Their latest triumph at the Labuan Round Island Kayak Challenge marks another proud milestone for Labuan, inspiring the next generation of sea sports champions from the island.
Mohd Sukuran highlighted the Labuan International Round Island Kayak Challenge is one of the four flagship events of LISC 2025, alongside the International Deep Sea Fishing Challenge, the Regatta International Race, and the Labuan Kayak Mini Marathon Challenge.
The Labuan International Sea Challenge 2025, held from April 22 to 27, featured 12 exhilarating events and attracted thousands of visitors.-Bernama