7,801 athletes shortlisted for Sukma XXI, says Abd Karim

KUCHING (July 16): A total of 7,801 athletes have been shortlisted to participate in the 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma), to take place in Sarawak next month, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The MInister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development said the athletes were registered in the shortlist which was closed on July 5.

“As for the number of sporting events, previously we have announced that there will be a total of 488 sporting events. However, it has been decreased to 487 events, where the women’s team double sepak takraw event has been dropped due to participation from less than six states.

“However, on July 18, there will be a national-level meeting on Sukma to decide on whether or not the sporting event will be returned. For the event, there are already five states registering for it – only left one state. If that one state can participate, then the event can be reinstated.

“So, on July 18, we will decide on whether or not this sporting event will be continued, but if there’s not enough participation, then it will have to be dropped,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting on Sukma’s preparations at a hotel here today.

Meanwhile, on the Sarawak contingent’s preparation, Abdul Karim said the Sarawak Sports Council has carried out the Sukma XXI Gold Hunter Camp on July 13-15 involving about 700 Sarawakian athletes.

This, he added, was done to motivate the athletes so that they can help the state to achieve the overall champion for this year’s Sukma.

“In addition, the Workforce, Volunteers and Liaison Officers (LO) Committee has almost completed the Basic General Volunteer Course for the 21st Sukma, which will conclude this week on July 16 and 17, at the Youth and Sports Complex here, involving 2,381 volunteers have attended this course to ensure Sukma runs smoothly.

“We will also be holding an appreciation ceremony for the sponsors of Sukma and Para Sukma, which will take place on July 17 at 3pm at a hotel here. Thank you to all the sponsors for their support of this event.

“We are grateful as these sponsors, be they from the government or private sectors, have helped in terms of improving facilities or providing monetary assistance to ensure the success of Sukma and Para Sukma.

“We would also like to thank the federal government through the Youth and Sports Ministry for allocating a sum of RM50 million for Sukma and Para Sukma,” he said

Among those present at the press conference were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Sukma 2024 chief executive officer Datu Hii Chang Kee.