Minister underscores sports ecosystem

KUCHING: Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh has called on athletes participating in the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) to play conscientious role in ensuring a non-toxic sports ecosystem.

She said every athlete should prioritise unity and promote a healthy competition.

“What’s important is that when 7,838 athletes are gathered, many messages can be conveyed.

“As young national athletes with a large number of supporters and fans, you all have a role in ensuring a sports ecosystem that prioritises unity, encourages healthy competition, and is non-toxic,” she pointed out.

Yeoh said this in her speech at the opening ceremony of SUKMA 2024 held at Sarawak Stadium here last night.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and was also attended by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Yeoh also stressed the importance of giving greater emphasis to the SUKMA platform.

She indicated that SUKMA was more than just a national competition, “It’s a critical stepping stone for athletes aspiring to reach international stages like the Olympics.

“An athlete’s performance is the result of years of hard work, primarily at the district level and at the state level like SUKMA.

“These are the athletes who will become the country’s hope at international sports events. The athletes here are our future Olympians.

“Among the athletes here, I believe we will see the birth of Olympians for Brisbane 2032. This highlights the importance of platforms like SUKMA, which need to be given greater emphasis,” she added.

Yeoh also acknowledged this 21st edition of SUKMA is the largest in history, featuring 37 sports across nine divisions throughout Sarawak.

For the first time, female athletes are participating in all 37 sports, including the women’s team sepak takraw event, which has been approved by the SUKMA Supreme Committee with five special contingents participating this year.

In addition, sports not included in SUKMA 2022 are also being contested, along with new sports such as softball, cricket, kabaddi, silambam, and chess.