Sukma Sarawak 2024 Sports Village the best in Games’ history, say sportsmen

KUCHING (Aug 15): Sportsmen have dubbed the Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI Sarawak 2024 Sports Village as the best in history of the Games.

Terengganu cricketer Wan Mohamad Shahril said the facilities provided at the Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 Sports Village at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) are highly satisfactory and clean.

“We, as athletes, are very pleased with the facilities at the sports village here.

“Cleanliness is a crucial aspect for us to rest comfortably after competing, and several facilities such as laundry services and cafes are very convenient for us.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that the sports village here is the best I’ve experienced throughout my participation in Sukma,” said Wan Mohamad, who is making his final appearance in the Games and aiming for a gold medal.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Sukma contingent chef de mission Datuk Tun Ahmad Faisal Tun Abdul Razak described the sports village as almost on par with international standards.

He said the host Sarawak not only provided accommodation but also stationed staff ready to assist with any needs of the contingent.

“Clean and well-organised accommodation adds significant value, especially as it indirectly provides high motivation for athletes to focus fully on the competition without any distractions,” he said.

The launching ceremony of the Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 Sports Village was held today at the Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (DeTAR), Unimas in Kota Samarahan.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, officiated at the event.

In his speech, Abdul Karim said that a total of 33 sports villages and accommodations were provided for the athletes and officials involved throughout the event in nine divisions.

The main sports villages, he said, are located at Unimas, Desa Sanyan in Sibu, UiTM Mukah Campus, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu, and the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) in Miri.

“As all know, Sukma this time is being held in nine divisions, involving 37 sports and 488 events.

“Therefore, many sports villages have been set up, with five main ones and 33 in total, including the smaller ones.

“I hope all athletes, as well as officials, will have a comfortable stay, and those entrusted with managing these villages ensure that the facilities provided are in good condition at all times,” he said.