KUCHING: Sarawak has appointed 23 assistant chef-de-mission (ACDM) officials to oversee its 37 sports as preparations for the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) enter the final stretch.
Chef-de-Mission (CDM) Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said the move would strengthen coordination across the contingent as officials focus on finalising the squad and ensuring athletes are in peak condition before departing for Selangor.
“We have appointed 23 ACDMs to oversee the 37 sports that will compete at SUKMA. I am very pleased because everyone had the opportunity to introduce themselves, and we are now able to move forward together with our strategies until the Games begin on the 15th of next month,” he said.
Rentap, who is also Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, was speaking to reporters after a dinner engagement with the Sarawak contingent’s ACDM officials at a hotel here last night (July 19).
He said the contingent currently comprises about 950 athletes competing across 37 sports involving 468 events, with preparations entering the final phase.
“I have visited several teams currently undergoing training, and I am satisfied with what I have seen. We have just over 20 days left before the Games, so we will continue our final preparations before heading to Selangor,” he said.
Rentap said Sarawak had completed its shortlist on July 9 and was now finalising the contingent after several events were dropped due to insufficient participation from other states.
Among the affected events was the men’s rapid pistol individual event in shooting, which was cancelled after only four states entered, below the required minimum of six participating states.
“We now have to make further adjustments to ensure our team is fully prepared for SUKMA,” he said.
He added that officials were also monitoring the athletes’ health and fitness closely, with some recovering from flu amid the current hot weather, to ensure they arrive at the Games in the best possible condition.
The Sarawak contingent is scheduled to receive the Ibu Pertiwi flag from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Aug 10 before departing for Selangor.
The 22nd edition SUKMA will be held from Aug 15 to 24, 2026.
