KUCHING: Sarawak athletes are encouraged to focus on competing with passion and sportsmanship, rather than monetary incentives.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, said that although the Sarawak government will reward winners as in previous editions, the focus should not be on the prizes.
“Like in previous SUKMA editions, we will provide rewards, but we are not putting too much emphasis on them. We want the athletes to compete with passion to achieve first (gold), second (silver), or third (bronze) positions, not for money. We do not view it from that perspective,” he said during a press conference after the 21st Malaysia Games opening ceremony at Pullman Hotel today (March 9).
Additionally, Abdul Karim said that the medal targets for the Sarawak team are currently under review. The Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) is diligently monitoring the progress of each sports association and team.
“We have not set specific targets yet, but when our Sarawak contingents are ready, we will announce them,” he added.
Regarding the preparation of facilities for the SUKMA events, Abdul Karim assured that all necessary facilities would be ready by June. The state government has identified and is progressing well with the venues, with some currently undergoing renovation and others under construction.
