Long queues outside S’wak Stadium as hopefuls eye free tickets for Sukma opening ceremony

KUCHING (Aug 12): The first 7,500 free admission tickets to attend the opening ceremony of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Sarawak Stadium here were fully distributed today due to overwhelming public demand.

Long queues could be spotted outside the stadium today before the counters opened at 10am and many were left disappointed after the free tickets allocated for today were fully distributed by 3pm.

The organiser is giving a total of 15,000 free tickets for the public to attend the opening ceremony, with 7,500 tickets each on Aug 12 and 13.

Speaking to reporters, 23-year-old Dayang Nuraisyah Abang Norazman said she had to queue for five hours since 9am before she was allowed to enter the stadium and obtain the tickets.

“I am excited to watch the opening ceremony  with my partner and family as Sukma is finally being hosted in Sarawak again after so many years since the last time it was given the opportunity to organise the games,” she said.

As for 40-year-old Tracy Tay, who came hoping to collect the free tickets for her family, she was left disappointed after the free tickets allocated for today were fully distributed but plans to come as early as 7am tomorrow to get them.

She shared her excitement over the opening ceremony of the upcoming Sukma competitions and hoped her children will get to experience the colourful and energetic atmosphere on Saturday night.

Another member of the public, 20-year-old Mohd Khairul Ikmal, remarked he did not mind the long queues today as long as he was able to get his hands on the free tickets to attend the opening ceremony.

Sukma 2024 will be held from Aug 17-24 in Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri divisions and features 488 sports events. Over 12,000 athletes and officials are participating in the competitions.

Sarawak last played host to Sukma in 2016.