BY NURA VALENTIANA LORNA AND GABRIEL LIHAN
KUCHING: The curtains have officially fallen on the Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXI 2024, with Sarawak reclaiming the championship crown in a dramatic finish.
The host state amassed an impressive total of 82 gold, 53 silver, and 74 bronze medals, dethroning arch-rival Sabah.
Despite falling just one gold shy of their 83-medal target, Sarawak broke seven records during the competition, solidifying its dominance in para sports.
The closing ceremony at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya last night drew a crowd of over 3,500 attendees, who witnessed the symbolic handover of the SUKMA flag to Selangor, the host of Para SUKMA XXII in 2026.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh officiated at the ceremony, witnessing the transition of the biennial event’s responsibilities.The 14-time Para SUKMA champion, Sarawakian athletes proudly wave the Sarawak flag.
Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah handed the flag to Selangor’s representative during the ceremony.
Several notable figures attended the event, including Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Ministers of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards for the Best Female Athlete, Best Male Athlete, and Overall Champion categories.
