Sukma XXI: Women’s sepak takraw team event to proceed as scheduled in Sarawak

Yeoh (fourth left) poses for a photo with Abdul Karim (centre), Gerald (fourth right), and Hii (third right) on her left, as well as other officials, after the 11th Malaysia Games High Committee Meeting of 2024 held in Kuala Lumpur on July 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 18: The women’s sepak takraw team event will continue as planned at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) XXI, set to take place in Sarawak from Aug 17 to Aug 24.

According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, the decision was confirmed during the 11th Malaysia Games High Committee Meeting of 2024, chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil today.

The special approval allows the event to proceed, maintaining the total of 488 events across 37 sports for this year’s Sukma, to be held in nine divisions throughout the State.

Previously, there were uncertainties regarding the event’s inclusion due to the minimum requirement of six contingents.

Only five states had confirmed their participation: Penang, Perak, Selangor, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Yeoh welcomed the decision, emphasising the importance of supporting women athletes.

“It is unfair to athletes who have trained diligently to have their events cancelled at the last minute due to insufficient participation.

“Without adequate support, how can we develop national athletes who have the potential to bring home gold medals?” she was quoted as saying.

In an interview with Ukas, Yeoh highlighted that Sukma Sarawak is set to make history by featuring the highest number of events, with 15 contingents competing.

“We are pleased to hear from the Sarawak government that preparations are nearly complete, and we are excited to attend what promises to be the most spectacular Sukma yet,” she added.

In the meantime, Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, expressed relief that the women’s sepak takraw event will be retained.

He further assured that Sarawak is fully prepared to host this year’s Sukma.

“We will strive to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event, with no unpleasant incidents. As of now, after our meetings, everything is proceeding very well,” he stated.

Also present at the meeting were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development and Chief of Sarawak’s Contingent, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu; Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024, Datu Hii Chang Kee; Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ts Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu; Director-General of the National Sports Council, Abdul Rashid Yaakub; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Morshidi Fredrick, along with representatives from all competing contingents. — DayakDaily