Sarawak seizes Sukma 2024 crown in historic, record-breaking triumph with 76 golds

The Sarawak contingent entering the stadium during the 21st Sukma opening ceremony on Aug 17, 2024. Photo credit: JaPen

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 24: Sarawak has made history at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024, storming to victory as overall champion with an awe-inspiring haul of 76 golds, 54 silvers, and 68 bronzes, shattering five national records and smashing their target of 70 golds, marking a glorious end to the biennial games today.

In a nail-biting finish, Federal Territory trailed closely behind with 75 golds, 66 silvers, and 72 bronzes, while Selangor secured third place with 55 golds, 64 silvers, and 58 bronzes as of 6.50pm.

Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah was ecstatic as he confirmed the thrilling outcome.

“I am overjoyed that Sarawak has captured the overall championship after 30 long years (1994). It was a nail-biting finish, with us fighting to the very last medal—just one ahead of Federal Territory to clinch the top spot.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in this victory, especially for ensuring the smooth organisation of events across all venues,” he told DayakDaily when contacted today.

Sarawak’s final surge was nothing short of heroic. Wong Ling Ching dazzled in badminton, clinching gold in the women’s individual event. On the waters, the sailing team struck gold twice—Nurul Shazwanie Mohd Saad and Nur Asma Syahrizan dominated the women’s International 420, while Muhammad Amirul Aqmal Aslan and Syahharoul Aiman Rozaiman triumphed in the men’s International 420.

Cassandra Lavigne Shelden delivered Sarawak’s 76th gold after nailing the artistic floor gymnastics event with a score of 12.233.

Cassandra secures the 76th gold medal for Sarawak in the artistic floor gymnastics event. Photo credit: Ukas

This victory represents a meteoric rise for Sarawak, who finished fourth just two years ago at Sukma 2022 in Kuala Lumpur with 32 gold, 43 silver, and 52 bronze medals. Now, Sarawak has surged to the top, reaffirming its status as a sporting powerhouse.

In this Sukma, Sarawak dominated Taekwondo, claiming 11 gold medals, and put on a masterclass in diving by sweeping nine out of 12 golds.

The contingent also conquered six other events, taking the crown in Muay Thai (5 golds), Pétanque (5 golds), Tenpin Bowling (5 golds), Golf (2 golds), Squash (2 golds), and Sailing (2 golds).

Additionally, athletics brought home five golds, as did Pencak Silat. Boxing added four more, with Wushu contributing three. Archery, Fencing, Badminton, Gymnastics, Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, and Volleyball each chipped in with golds, showcasing the depth and breadth of Sarawak’s talent.

And it was not just about the medals—Sarawakian athletes set even broke five national records. Ng Jing Xuan hurled the javelin 45.12 metres, obliterating the old record of 44.98 metres set by fellow Sarawakian Ho Sin Hui at the 2008 Sukma in Terengganu.

Swimmer Hii Puong Wei rewrote the record books in the men’s 200-metre backstroke with a blazing time of 2:06.59.

Jonah Chang Rigan, the ‘Ironman’ of Sarawak, launched the shot put 17.66 metres, smashing the previous Sukma record of 17.31 metres.

Jonah Chang Rigan strikes a pose at Sarawak Stadium, Kuching during Sukma 2024. Photo taken on Aug 23, 2024.

In archery, Liew Yu Jie and Joey Tan Xing Lei raised the bar in the 70-metre recurve events, scoring 334 and 325 points, respectively, leaving the old records far behind.

This victory marked Sarawak’s fourth time as overall champions, adding 2024 to their titles from 1990, 1992, and 1994.

Sukma Sarawak 2024 will go down in history as the largest and most thrilling edition yet, with 37 sports and 488 events. The impact of this epic event is set to reverberate across Malaysia, inspiring the next generation of athletes and elevating the nation’s sporting prowess to new heights. — DayakDaily