Sukma XXI: Hunt for gold continues ahead of official opening tonight

KUCHING (Aug 17): Twenty-three gold medals will be up for grabs today ahead of the highlight of the day – the grand official opening of the 21st edition of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Sarawak Stadium later this evening.

Showcasing the unique and diverse culture and identity of Sarawak, the launch of Sukma, which the state is hosting again after an eight-year lapse, would be officiated by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at 8.30pm.

Ahead of the lighting of the cauldron to mark the start of the Games, tonight will also see athletes from the 15 contingents, including invited contingent Brunei, continue to vie for the 23 gold medals that will be up for grabs in cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, shooting, taekwondo, bowling, sepak takraw and karate.

Day One of the karate competition at Dewan Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) Miri today offers seven gold medals in Kata (men’s and women’s individual); and Kumite – women’s 50-kilogramme (kg) and 55kg and men’s 50kg, 57kg and 67kg.

Over at the Muhibbah Stadium in Bintulu, sepak takraw will offer up two gold medals for the men’s and women’s team events while rhythmic gymnastics will have one gold on offer in the team event.

The Petra Jaya Shooting Range will also be a hive of activities as four gold medals will be at stake.

The Megalanes Sarawak in Batu Kawa will see keglers vying for the mixed pair gold medal while day two of the taekwondo competition at the Petra Jaya Unity Stadium here will see exponents fighting for six golds.

Cyclists will converge on the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Highway here again today as two road racing gold medals will be in the offing – women’s 30-kilometre (km) and men’s 40km criterium races.

Sukma 2024 offers 488 gold medals across 37 sports, with all events taking place at 50 competition venues. Over 12,000 athletes nationwide and from Brunei are taking part in the biennial Games.

Follow comprehensive coverage of Sukma 2024 on Bernama’s special website sukma.bernama.com, which offers news and the latest developments on state contingents and their achievements along with interesting stories of athletes competing at the biennial Games.

The dual-language website also displays the latest results along with a photo gallery, videos, medal standings and interesting facts about Sukma 2024. – Bernama