KUCHING: Sarawak is targeting 75 gold medals as it looks to successfully defend its overall championship title at the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXII) in Selangor from Aug 15 to 24.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the state will send a 930-member contingent comprising athletes and officials to compete in 37 sports involving 469 events.
Rentap, the Sarawak chef de mission, expressed confidence that the athletes are well prepared, having undergone intensive training and competition over the past two years.
“To emerge as champions, we are targeting 75 gold medals. At SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak, we won 76 gold medals. I am confident that if we achieve this target, we will once again be crowned overall champions,” he said.
He said this when appearing on the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) Juh Randau talk show at the UKAS Studio on Wednesday (Aug 5).
Rentap said the athletes have reached peak condition, particularly in terms of technical preparation, following a comprehensive training programme designed to sharpen their skills and build competitive experience ahead of the Games.
“The most important thing is that we have provided our athletes with every opportunity to excel. Over the past two years, they have trained hard, prepared thoroughly and gained valuable exposure through competitions. I am confident they can deliver,” he said.
He added that the contingent’s strong fighting spirit, coupled with meticulous preparation, would be key to Sarawak retaining its overall SUKMA crown.
The 22nd Malaysia Games will be held across several venues in Selangor from Aug 15 to 24.
