KUCHING: The Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024 will showcase a total of 37 sports, making it the largest number of events held in the competition, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has disclosed.
During a Sukma Supreme Committee meeting and State Youth and Sports Executive Councillors (Excos) coordination meeting on Monday (June 12), chaired by federal Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh, Abdul Karim announced the addition of five new sports to the line-up. The newly included sports are softball, cricket, kabaddi, silambam and chess.
“After thorough deliberation and appeals from seven sports associations, the committee agreed to include these five sports.
“These sports have their own national leagues, and it is only fair to include them in Sukma,” Abdul Karim, who is Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development, said on Tuesday (June 13).
Speaking to the press at the Sarawak Arts Council Dialogue programme held at the Borneo Cultures Museum auditorium, he also mentioned that the specific venues for the competition would be determined at a later date. The eight potential venues are Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.
“We are fully prepared for the event, and with these eight venues, we hope that more Sarawakians will have the opportunity to watch the sports and support the athletes.”
Regarding the cricket pitch, Abdul Karim assured that it is still under construction but will be ready in time for Sukma.
“Currently, two rugby pitches and one cricket field are being built at the sports complex in Petra Jaya.”
Sukma 2024 is scheduled to take place from Aug 17 to 24.
