Sarawak will emerge victorious

Anticipation is building as Sarawak prepares for the official opening of the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) at the Sarawak Stadium in Petra Jaya, Kuching, this Saturday. With just three days remaining, the excitement, if I may say, is both palpable and simply beyond expectations.

This is no exaggeration. It’s clear not only from the positive comments and feedback posted on various social media platforms but also from interviews conducted by the media, both in print and online.

It was also evident when the organizer opened counters at the Sarawak Stadium to give away free tickets for the official opening over the last two days, with eager crowds quickly snapping them up.

Some were even willing to return the next day and endure long queues, waiting up to six hours, just to secure their tickets and ensure they wouldn’t miss the opening.

Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, thanked the people of Sarawak for the massive support, saying, “They are willing to stand in long queues to get tickets during the two days it took place.”

While I am happy to see the overwhelming response, I am not surprised, especially considering that this SUKMA is set to feature the largest-ever lineup of events in the history of the biennial national multi-sport event.

Abdul Karim even likened it to the scale of the Olympic Games, with over 12,000 athletes expected across nine regions to compete in 37 sports.

Thirteen states, including the Federal Territories and Brunei Darussalam, have confirmed their participation in 484 sporting events.

SUKMA was started in 1986 with Kuala Lumpur as the first host. The event was held every two years by different states until 2010. So far, including this year, Sarawak has been the host for the Games three times. The first was in 1990, followed by in 2016.

So far, Sarawak’s performance in the SUKMA championship has been quite impressive. The state emerged as champion three times: first in 1990 when it was the host, then again in 1992 in Johor, and once more in 1994 in Perak.

The state contingent came second in 1996 in Pahang, 1998 (Selangor), 2000 (Penang), 2002 (Sabah), 2004 (Negeri Sembilan), and 2016 (Sarawak). The contingent’s best finish in third place was in 1986, 1988 in Kuala Lumpur, 2006 (Kedah), and 2014 (Perlis).

Sarawak’s worst performance was in 2013 when it finished in eighth place and returned home from Kuala Lumpur with only four gold medals.

Sarawak’s best achievement in terms of gold medals came in 2016 when it hosted the championship for the second time. Despite this impressive tally, the contingent fell short of securing the championship and had to be content with second place.

Its worst performance in terms of gold medals was in 2011, with only two, though finishing in sixth place.

Sarawak secured 13 gold medals in the first SUKMA in 1986, followed by 27 (1988), 44 (1990), 36 (1992), 39 (1994), 56 (1996), 46 (1998), 49 (2000), 35 (2002), 52 (2004), 36 (2006), 52 (2008), 33 (2010), two (2011), 42 (2012), four (2013), 48 (2014), 57 (2016), 42 (2018), and 32 (2022).

This time, the Sarawak contingent is aiming to secure at least 70 gold medals, with hopes of emerging as the overall champion for the fourth time.

This year’s SUKMA is slated for Aug 17 to 24. The Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, is scheduled to officiate at its opening this Saturday.

The championship will be held at various locations throughout the state, namely Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri.

Most of the sporting events will be held in Kuching. They are Archery, Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket, Cycling, Diving, E-sports, Golf, Hockey, Kabaddi, Lawn Bowls, Petanque, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Shooting, Silambam, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Tenpin Bowling, Women’s Football, and Wushu.

Chess and Futsal will be held in Samarahan; Gymnastics in Serian; Boxing in Sri Aman; Weightlifting in Betong; Badminton, Indoor Volleyball, and Men’s Football in Sibu; Judo, Men’s Football, and Netball in Mukah; Men’s Football, Muay Thai, and Sepak Takraw in Bintulu; and Fencing, Karate, Pencak Silat, Rugby, Sailing, and Softball in Miri.

Hopefully, the strong support from Sarawakians will turn into solid backing for the state’s team, helping them win gold and secure the championship.

I’d also like to wish our Sarawak athletes all the best. May we reach our target of securing at least 70 gold medals and emerge victorious!

With strong support from all stakeholders and the unwavering dedication and determination of our athletes, I am confident that our dream of emerging victorious will become a reality.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.