BY NATASHA JEE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: The 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2024 concluded in a grand spectacle at Stadium Perpaduan (Unity Stadium) in Petra Jaya, marking a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and raw talent.
The closing ceremony commenced with an opening performance, a tribute to the athletes’ dedication and the essence of the Games.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to the best male and female athletes, 20-year-old swimmer Andrew Goh Zheng Yin from Selangor and 20-year-old shooter Gan Chen Jie from Negeri Sembilan. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim bestowed the awards upon these outstanding athletes.
The ceremony also featured the parade of contingents, each marching into the stadium amidst thunderous cheers and applause from the spectators.
The crowd resonated with chants of “Agi Idup, Agi Ngelaban.”
Anwar also honoured the Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, and chef de mission for the Sarawak contingent, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, for Sarawak’s exceptional performance as the overall champion of SUKMA 2024.
The event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
As the night progressed, the symbolic handover of the SUKMA flag to the next host state, Selangor, took place. Menteri Besar Selangor Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari received the flag from Abang Johari, signalling the official transition towards the 22nd edition of the Games in 2026.
Sarawak’s triumph as the overall champion, securing an unprecedented haul of 76 gold medals, 55 silver, and 70 bronze medals, not only marked a victory but also stood as a testament to their unwavering commitment and athletic prowess. The achievement surpassed their target of 70 gold medals, resonating pride and accomplishment throughout the stadium and among its people.
The Games officially commenced on August 17 and concluded on August 24, featuring 488 events across 37 sports, including 28 compulsory sports such as aquatics, weightlifting, badminton, cycling, gymnastics, golf, fencing, archery, shooting, athletics, sailing, hockey, table tennis, taekwondo, karate, sepak takraw, tenpin bowling, wushu, soccer, netball, volleyball, and tennis. Additionally, nine more sports were introduced: boxing, muay thai, petanque, e-sports, softball, chess, kabbadi, silambam, and cricket.
The Games involved 12,619 participants, comprising 9,927 athletes and 2,692 officials, with 5,666 male athletes, 4,261 female athletes, 1,845 male officials, and 847 female officials.
