Sukma XXI launchpad for Sarawak athletes to shine internationally

KUCHING: The 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) Sarawak 2024 is seen as the best platform for Sarawak athletes to prepare for participation in international sports events.

Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Morshidi Frederick said the sports event could serve as a venue to test the abilities of Sarawak athletes when facing real competitions.

“We see Sukma as one of the platforms to showcase our talented athletes not just to win Sukma but beyond that, to represent our country at higher levels, for example, the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), and if they are selected to represent the country at the Olympics.

“We have a vision to become a sports powerhouse in our country by 2030, by producing at least eight Olympians who can win gold medals for Malaysia.”

He said this to UKAS after attending an exclusive interview on the upcoming 21st Sukma with Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) at Baitul Makmur II building here today (July 9).

On another note, he said one of the unique aspects of Sukma 2024 is that for the first time, electronic sports (e-sports) will be contested.

“We are also aware that there are many new sports being introduced in Malaysia, such as e-sports. In 1990, we might have never heard of e-sports.

“I was also informed that in e-sports, we have many highly skilled athletes in this event.”

The 21st Sukma will be held in Sarawak from Aug 17 to 24, involving nine divisions such as Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.

This edition will feature 37 types of sports involving 488 events, consisting of 236 men’s events, 217 women’s events, and 35 mixed events, bringing together 12,619 athletes and officials.