High hopes for Sukma athletes

THE Johor squad’s training for next year’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) is being conducted indoors because of the current rainy season.

Johor Sports Council (MSNJ) director Mohd Ekmaluddin Ishak said preparations were in full swing and the state was hopeful of retaining its overall champion title.

However, he did not want to reveal the medal target as yet, adding that many of the sports from 2022 would not be returning to Sukma 2024 which will be held from Aug 17 to 24 in Sarawak.

“Training and preparations for the 21st edition of Sukma has started,” said Ekmaluddin.

“The training is mostly done in our stadium due to the current bad weather,” he said.

He was speaking during an incentive payment ceremony for Johor athletes at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar, Iskandar Puteri.

Johor emerged overall champion of the last Sukma after winning 77 gold, 52 silver and 43 bronze medals.

“We managed to surpass our initial target of 40 gold medals.

“I plan to reveal our target for next year about five months before Sukma,” he added.

Ekmaluddin shared that MSNJ was planning to organise two international sporting events involving running and cycling next year.

“The events will give our athletes more exposure and experience.

“However, discussions are still in the preliminary stage,” he elaborated.

The Johor sports council is also planning a new programme called “Sukma Alma Mater” that will gather previous state athletes for a sharing and knowledge-transfer session.

“This is one way of showing appreciation for what the retired athletes have given to the state,” said Ekmaluddin.

“We need their help to transform Johor into a sports powerhouse,” he added.

At the ceremony, a total of RM291,000 in incentives were given to 44 athletes who participated in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia and the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.