KUCHING: Sarawak’s athletes must embrace every challenge and fear no opponent if they are to return from Selangor with the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) title, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development said success at the Games would depend not only on ability, but also on the athletes’ mental strength and readiness to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings.
“You have to be prepared for all this,” he said, referring to differences in accommodation, food and competition conditions during SUKMA Selangor 2026.
Speaking during the Sarawak contingent’s flag handover ceremony here today, Abdul Karim reminded athletes that months of preparation had all been geared towards one objective.
“The hope of Sarawak, the hope of the parents, the coaches and the whole people of Sarawak is for one thing, which is victory for every athlete who competes,” he said.
He added that every Sarawakian wanted to hear the state anthem, Ibu Pertiwiku, played after each event.
“Ibu Pertiwiku can only be heard if we are number one. Number two does not have Ibu Pertiwiku. That is the mission that you have to go for,” he said.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak had left no stone unturned in its preparations, citing initiatives such as SUKSAR and overseas training programmes to ensure athletes were ready for the challenge ahead.
He also reminded the contingent that competing away from home would present a different test, urging them to prove they could succeed under any circumstances.
“There is no other position that we are going for. Not number two, not number three – we are only going for number one,” he said.
Abdul Karim said the difference between champions and the rest often came down to determination.
“What makes the difference between becoming champion, losing or finishing second is the athlete who has the willpower and killer instinct to become number one,” he said.
He urged the athletes not to be intimidated by rivals with bigger reputations or international experience.
“Never fear any of your opponents. However big your opponent is, however big their name is, you will always be able to overcome them,” he said.
Abdul Karim also reminded the contingent that they were ambassadors for Sarawak and should uphold discipline both on and off the field of play.
“Maintain your discipline and make sure the name of Sarawak is always held in high regard after SUKMA,” he said.
