KUCHING: The 21st Malaysian Games (SUKMA) will highlight the prowess of over 15,000 athletes, complemented by the participation of 1,400 para athletes in the SUKMA Para Games.
The event, spanning from August 17 to 24 for the main games and from September 20 to 29 for the Para Games, will feature 37 sports across nine divisions in Sarawak.
The Para Games are set to host 10 sports, all in Kuching.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the event is beyond athletic competition but to foster values such as camaraderie, leadership, and a robust sporting ethos among participants.
“SUKMA and the SUKMA Para Games are more than just competitions; they are platforms for excellence, healthy rivalry, and national unity among our youth,” he said in a speech delivered on his behalf by Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the opening ceremony held at Pullman Hotel yesterday (Mar 9).
“These games are not just about winning; they are about bringing together individuals from across Malaysia, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood,” he added.
Expressing confidence in the 2024 edition’s success, Abang Johari envisioned the games as a catalyst for promoting national spirit and unity across different states. The SUKMA 2024 will encompass 490 events in 37 sports, distributed among nine Sarawak divisions: Miri, Bintulu, Mukah, Sibu, Betong, Sri Aman, Serian, Samarahan, and Kuching, with the Kuching Sports Cluster featuring the most variety with 25 sports.
In contrast, the SUKMA Para Games are expected to present 361 events across 10 sports categories.
Also present were Ministry of Youth and Sports secretary-general Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, Deputy Ministers Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Dr Ripin Lamat, Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, SUKMA organising committee chairman Datuk Hii Chang Kee, and Sarawak Sports Corporation CEO Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan.
