KUCHING: Sarawak, the reigning Malaysia Games (SUKMA) champion, faces its biggest challenge yet as the 2026 Games move to Selangor – with “the real test is the next one” to defend the title on unfamiliar ground.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, acknowledged the pressure Sarawak faces as it aims to maintain its champion status away from home.
“Winning at home is a great achievement, but the true measure of a champion is the ability to defend the title when visiting another state,” he said.
Sarawak claimed the overall SUKMA championship in the previous edition held on its home turf, an accomplishment that has raised expectations for the team in 2026.
Sarawak emerged as overall champions for the fourth time, after the 1990, 1992, and 1994 editions – with a haul of 76 golds, 55 silvers and 70 bronzes when the curtain came down on SUKMA 2024.
“We know that the margin between first and second place is often very narrow,” he told reporters at a press conference and torch handover ceremony to the host of the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA), Selangor, at the Baitulmakmur Building II today.
Additionally, he acknowledged the strong tradition and history of SUKMA, noting that Selangor, the host for the 2026 Games, has been a dominant force in the past, winning nearly half of all SUKMA championships held so far.
“Selangor has always been a powerhouse in Malaysian sports, and as hosts, they will field their largest team ever,” he said.
Sarawak plans to send a sizable contingent to Selangor and is determined to give their best effort to defend the championship title.
“We will be bringing one of the biggest teams from outside Selangor,” said Abdul Karim, stressing the state’s commitment to excellence.
He also recalled the words of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the last SUKMA closing ceremony, congratulating Sarawak on their victory but reminding that “the real test is the next one”.
This challenge will be a true test of Sarawak’s resilience and sporting prowess.
Also present at the press conference was Selangor’s Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Exco, Mohd Najwan Halimi.
