Sarawak braces for Sukma title defence in Selangor

KUCHING (March 3): Logistical and environmental factors are expected to pose the main challenge to the Sarawak contingent at the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXII in Selangor, with competitions to be spread across multiple districts statewide said Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.

According to the Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, the wide distribution of venues would require Sarawak 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 on Monday night.

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

The deputy minister, however, expressed confidence in the state’s preparations which are now 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.

He revealed that preparations would intensify after Hari Raya with more structured programmes and overseas exposure planned.

Strong backing from the state leadership would be vital for Sarawak to face up to 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 added.

He also expressed hope of bringing members of the media to Selangor ahead of the Games to better understand 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.

Gerald noted that Selangor would also be strategic in selecting and preparing for sports that suit 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 pledged.

He pointed out that defending the title away from home would be the true measure of Sarawak’s standing as a sporting powerhouse.

“At the very least, we will give our best,” he said.

The 2026 Sukma in Selangor will see 34 sports comprising 474 events 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 which is technically located in the state of Negeri Sembilan.

Gerald was speaking to reporters during the Saberkas Sports, Recreation and Culture Sub-Committee Breaking of Fast with the Media event at the Borneo Cultures Museum.