4th Suksar to usher data system to plan athlete development

KUCHING (Feb 4): The 4th edition of the Sarawak Games (Suksar) is set to introduce an integrated games management system, particularly in competition management and athlete development.

This is according to Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, who said this will strengthen the role of Suksar as a strategic platform in producing Sarawak athletes for national and international competitions.

“The integrated system will cover athlete registration, logistics, competition scheduling and performance data, enabling organisers and the ministry to plan more specific and effective training programmes in line with the state’s sports development needs.

“We are developing a system that includes athlete registration, requirements and logistics, which will provide comprehensive data for more targeted planning,” he explained in a news report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).

Rentap was speaking on the Juh Randau talk show produced by Ukas at the Ukas Studio here on Monday.

The new approach would also enhance volunteer management, competition schedules and results administration, supported by a high-performance team focusing on athletes’ welfare, physical and mental performance, and recovery.

The deputy minister also stressed that Suksar 2026 places emphasis on athlete safety and well-being, particularly for those under 18 years old, through continuous monitoring of physical condition, mental health and injury recovery throughout the tournament.

“Also, the organisation of the games provides opportunities for the local community to be involved as volunteers and support service providers, giving them valuable exposure and experience in managing state-level sporting events,” he said.

Suksar, he reiterated, is not merely a competition platform but also serves as a foundation for the structured development of Sarawak athletes in preparation for the Sukma Games and other major tournaments.

“The organisation of Suksar 2026 is expected to have a positive impact on grassroots sports development, youth participation and local economic activities, particularly in the small business, accommodation, transportation and support services sectors in the host areas,” he added.

Suksar 2026 will be held from Feb 5 to 8 with the biennial games featuring 11 sports and involving nearly 900 athletes and more than 300 technical officials from across Sarawak. The main venues will be in Betong, Sri Aman and Lubok Antu.

The sports to be contested are table tennis, softball, boxing, petanque, basketball, weightlifting, highway cycling, netball, taekwondo, sepak takraw and karate.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for Feb 4 at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall in Betong and will be officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will officiate the closing ceremony on Feb 8 at the Indoor Stadium of the Sri Aman Sports Complex.