Abdul Karim: Over 7,800 athletes registered for Sukma so far

KUCHING (July 17): A total of 7,801 athletes have been shortlisted to participate in the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) to take place in Sarawak next month, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development disclosed the tally after the closure of registration of athletes 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 doubles (sepak takraw) event has been dropped due to participation from less than 6 states,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting on Sarawak’s preparations for Sukma at a hotel here yesterday.

He revealed that the event could still be re-instated if one more state is able to participate.  The matter will be finalised at a national-level meeting on July 18.

Meanwhile, the minister reported that the Sarawak Sports Council held the Sukma XXI Gold Hunter Camp from July 13-15 involving about 700 Sarawakian athletes. Ot was aimed at motivating the athletes to help the state strive to be the overall champion of this year’s Sukma.

A basic course is being conducted for 2,381 Sukma volunteers at the Youth and Sports Complex in Kuching on July 16 and 17. An appreciation ceremony will also be held for sponsors who came to the aid of Sukma and Para Sukma at a hotel here on July 17.

“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,” Abdul Karim added.

Those present at the press conference included Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee.