Sukma 2024: Federal Territories contingent targets 70 gold, overall champions

PUTRAJAYA (July 17): The Federal Territories contingent (WiPers) is targeting to collect 70 gold medals in their mission to become the overall champions at the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) which will be held in Sarawak from Aug 17-24.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the target is based on WiPers’ success in finishing third overall with 55 gold medals, 68 silver and 64 bronze at Sukma 2022.

“It gives me confidence to set this target. After last becoming overall champions at Sukma 2014, it is undoubtedly a great hope for the contingent to emerge as the overall champions again after 10 years of waiting.

“I believe in the capabilities of our athletes and trust that all of you will continue to bring success,” she said at the WiPers Sukma 2024 Flag Handing Over Ceremony at Menara Seri Wilayah, here today.

According to her, WiPers is sending a 1,011-strong contingent this time with 705 athletes and 306 officials with all 37 sports on offer to be contested.

Dr Zaliha also announced incentives of RM5,000 for gold medal winners (individual and team), RM2,000 for silver, and RM1,000 for bronze as a motivation for the contingent.

“The difference at this Sukma in Sarawak is that coaches and team managers will also receive incentives for their respective sports’ successes,” she said.

At the last edition of the Sukma (20th) held in the Klang Valley, WiPers won 55 gold , 68 silver and 64 bronze medals to finish third overall behind Johor and Terengganu.

However, the contingent accumulated a total of 187 medals, making them the contingent with the highest medal tally then. – Bernama