Penang aims to reward its Sukma medalists handsomely, says state exco

BUKIT MERTAJAM (Aug 3): Penang will reward any state athlete who wins medals at the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024 in Sarawak handsomely, state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said.

Without revealing the details, he said the rewards will be given to athletes who secure any medal, regardless of ‘colour’.

“We (The Penang state government) are among the states that are always committed in providing incentives, not only to athletes who participate in Sukma but all other prestigious sporting events.

“If our target is achieved, handsome rewards await Penang athletes when they return. Gold, silver and bronze, everything has its rewards,” he told reporters after attending the flag handover to the Penang contingent to Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 at Universiti Teknologi MARA Penang Branch, Permatang Pauh here today, which was officiated by Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.

Daniel, who is Penang’s Sukma Chef de Mission, said the state will send 606 athletes to compete in 35 sports and aims to return with 40 gold medals.

“If all our athletes display their best performance, I believe that the 40 gold medal target is not impossible, but achievable for the contingent,” he said, adding that most of the athletes are new faces and will make their debut at this year’s Sukma, something he views as a positive sign for young athletes and the state’s sports sector.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said that all parties, including coaches, team managers, volunteers and parents had vital roles to play in ensuring athletes were ready physically and mentally for the competition in Sarawak.

Describing Penang athletes as icons bearing the state’s Sukma aspirations and hopes, he said that the Games were not only an avenue to win medals but a platform to show sportsmanship and the ability to rise to challenges.

Penang won 30 gold, exceeding its target of 26, at the last Sukma in Kuala Lumpur.

Sukma 2024, from Aug 17 to 24, will be held in nine divisions in Sarawak, Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri. – Bernama