Madani Govt vows to preserve traditional sports, says ministry

KUCHING (Aug 21): The Madani Government has affirmed its commitment to preserving traditional sports like ‘silambam’ and ‘kabaddi’, ensuring that they remain integral to the nation’s cultural heritage.

In stating this, the Youth and Sports Ministry said the two were featured as demonstration sports in the previous editions of the Malaysia Games (Sukma), but they made their competitive debut in the 21st (XXI) edition in Sarawak, which is currently on-going.

“They will be included as medal sports in Sukma 2026.

“This inclusion, approved by the Sukma Supreme Committee on June 12, 2023, would offer a platform to identify and nurture talents among the youths, providing them the opportunity to compete on international stages, including at the Asian Games, which will feature kabaddi,” said the ministry in a statement, issued in connection with the minister Hannah Yeoh attending a Sukma XXI silambam event at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here.