Sukma XXI: Lack of participation sees women’s futsal, boxing dropped

KUCHING (Aug 9): The Malaysian Games (Sukma) XXI, which will be hosted by Sarawak, has dropped women’s futsal and women’s boxing from the list of events to be contested.

Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) deputy director (operations) Abdul Muktalib Mohamad said this is because both events did not secure enough participating states.

He explained there must be participation from at least six states for events to be held.

As it stands now, 488 events out of the original 490 – from 37 types of sports – would be contested this time around.

Abdul Muktalib said this today when clarifying a written statement issued by SSC chief executive officer Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan yesterday.

Awang Putrayusrie had said upon review during the shortlist registration deadline at 11.59am on July 5, 2024, it was found that women’s futsal and women’s boxing did not receive the required number of participating states.

He said since December last year, the participating states for the two events were fewer than six each.

This remained the case upon review during the long list registration opening in March this year, and the status was the same during the longlist registration deadline, said Awang Putrayusrie.

From July 6 to Aug 6, only athletes on the longlist are allowed to be changed based on the General Rule Article 4.11, he added.

Sukma XXI will be held on Aug 17-24 in Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Mukah, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri.