JOHOR BAHRU: The 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak, slated for Aug 17 to 24, is poised to become the largest event of its kind in history.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah likened it to the scale of the Olympic Games, with over 12,000 athletes expected across nine regions to compete in 37 sports.
Thirteen states, including the Federal Territories and Brunei Darussalam, have confirmed their participation in 484 sporting events, making this Sarawak’s third time hosting after 1990 and 2016.
“This edition of Sukma is the largest in history, featuring 484 sporting events. For the Para Sukma, it involves 10 sports with a total of 361 events.”
Abdul Karim was quoted as saying in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) report when leading the Sarawak Sukma and Para Sukma XXI 2024 delegation in a courtesy visit to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi at the Dato Ja’afar Muhammad Building here yesterday (April 24).
He also hinted at Johor Darul Takzim being Sarawak’s main contender for the championship at this Sukma, considering the state’s overall victory at the 20th edition in 2022 in Kuala Lumpur.
“I understand that Johor will be sending around 931 athletes and officials to this championship, and I thank the Johor government for participating in all events.”
Meanwhile, the Para Sukma, scheduled from Sept 20 to 28, will host all 10 sports events in Kuching, involving about 1,400 athletes and 600 officials.
Earlier, Onn Hafiz thanked the Sarawak government for inviting Johor to participate in the upcoming Sukma and Para Sukma.
He said the Johor government also aims to replicate its success in winning Sukma but acknowledges that Sarawak, as the host, will pose strong competition for this championship.
For the record, Johor is the eighth stop for the Sukma and Para Sukma XXI Sarawak delegation after visits to Penang, Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang starting from April 22.
The delegation will continue their courtesy visit tour to Melaka and Negeri Sembilan tomorrow.
Also present were Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy State Secretary (Operation) and chief executive officer of Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 Datuk Hii Chang Kee, MYSED permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick, and other state government officials.
