KUCHING: Every Malaysia Games (SUKMA) appearance could be a life-changing opportunity, and Sarawak’s athletes have been urged to make every moment count when they compete in Selangor next month.
Chef-de-Mission Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said representing the state is a privilege that could open the door to national honours, urging athletes to compete with pride and determination.
He said the athletes had been preparing since the previous SUKMA edition, with months of training and dedication leading up to the Games.
“Our preparations began a long time ago. Since the last SUKMA, they have been training.
“What I want to tell them is to give their very best because opportunities like this may only come once in a lifetime,” he said during a dinner engagement with the Sarawak contingent’s assistant chef-de-mission (ACDM) officials at a hotel here last night (July 19).
The Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development said SUKMA was not merely a platform to win medals, but also an avenue for athletes to earn recognition and progress to the national stage.
“We want to produce national athletes. This is important for us, especially in sports such as swimming and diving, where many athletes have come from Sarawak.
“We want to continue raising their level so they can compete at a higher stage,” he said.
Rentap added that Sarawak’s contingent remains focused on delivering its best performance when the Games begin, with about 950 athletes set to compete across 37 sports involving 468 events.
The 22nd edition of SUKMA will be held from Aug 15 to 24, 2026, while the Para SUKMA Games will take place from Sept 5 to 14, 2026.
At SUKMA 2024, Sarawak secured the overall title after a closely fought battle with Federal Territories, winning by just one gold medal. It marked the state’s fourth overall championship after previous triumphs in 1990, 1992 and 1994, with the state finishing the Games with 76 gold, 55 silver and 70 bronze medals.
