KUCHING: Misgivings over amendments to the age limit and athlete participation quota for the Para SUKMA 2026 will be raised at the Post-Cabinet Meeting tomorrow (Mar 17).
Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mordi Bimol said the matter has drawn attention given the argument that the previous regulations be maintained.
“This issue has been ongoing for several months, but today I officially heard the discussions together with the ministry.
“We take note of this matter and it is my responsibility as a Sarawakian to bring up the issues arising, especially those affecting Sarawak, so that they can be properly resolved,” he said when paying a courtesy call to the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Well-being today.
Elaborating , Mordi said the Para SUKMA in 2016 did not impose any age limit on athletes competing.
“However, an age limit of 14 to 45 years was introduced in 2017 and remained in place until 2024 after the National Sports Council (MSN) took over.
“This year, the age limit was further reduced from 45 to 40 years, and this issue has attracted our attention as it will affect athletes in this state,” he explained.
He added that under his portfolio as deputy minister, he is tasked with overseeing youth and sports development in Sabah and Sarawak.
“As such, my presence here is to discuss issues or problems so that they can receive further attention,” he said.
Earlier, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah revealed that her ministry had submitted a letter to Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari regarding the matter.
Fatimah said the appeal was made for the age limit to remain at 45 years, as set for Para SUKMA 2024, which allowed participation for athletes aged between 14 and 45.
