Sarawak braces for away challenge at Sukma XXII in Selangor

KUCHING (March 3): Logistical and environmental factors are expected to pose the biggest challenges for the Sarawak contingent at the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXII in Selangor, with competitions spread across multiple districts statewide.

State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the wide distribution of venues would require athletes and officials to familiarise themselves early with the facilities and surroundings.

“Selangor is using many mukim and districts, similar to what we did in Sarawak before, hence we need to be familiar with the venues.

“In Sarawak, we know our places well, but there we need to study the facilities and make early reconnaissance,” he told reporters after the Saberkas Sports, Recreation and Culture Sub-Committee breaking-of-fast with the media event at the Borneo Cultures Museum on Monday.

He said adapting to the competition environment would be crucial as Sarawak transitions from host champion in 2024 to defending its overall title on away ground in 2026.

Despite the challenges, Gerald expressed confidence that preparations are on track and entering the final phase.

“We are moving to further organise our final phase preparation programmes. Even before Sarawak Sports (Suksar), we had already conducted many programmes for our athletes,” he said.

Preparations are set to intensify after Hari Raya, with more structured training and overseas exposure planned.

He added that strong backing from the state leadership would be vital in overcoming Selangor’s home advantage.

“After Ramadan and Hari Raya, we will focus on more programmes to concentrate on their preparations, including exposure abroad. I am confident when I look at our preparations.

“The task is not only from our Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, but also from the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg). This strong support is what we need, including from our media friends,” he said.

Gerald also expressed hope of bringing members of the media to Selangor ahead of the Games to better appreciate the scale and facilities involved.

“If we can plan it, I want to bring you all to Selangor so we can compare what they have with us,” he said.

He noted that Selangor would likely strategise by selecting and focusing on sports that play to their strengths.

“They will look at what they have and what they do not have and that’s their strategy. But for us in Sarawak, with high spirit, ‘agi idup agi ngelaban’, we will give our best,” he said.

Defending the title away from home, he added, would be the true test of Sarawak’s standing as a sporting powerhouse.

For Sukma XXII, a total of 34 sports comprising 474 events are expected to be contested across nine districts in Selangor, with Klang and Petaling serving as the main hubs.

Track cycling events will be held at the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.