KUCHING: Uncertainty surrounding a possible postponement of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026 in Selangor has raised concerns over athlete preparation and confidence.
Acting chief executive officer of Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) and acting director of Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) Khairul Nizam Morshidi said questions remain over athletes’ readiness following the latest developments.
“The athletes have been preparing based on the August timeline, but the suggestion to postpone is not confirmed yet.
“It will depend on the Selangor government as the host,” he told Sarawak Tribune when met after the ITF World Junior Tennis Competition Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying 2026 opening ceremony at the SLTA Centre here today (Apr 21).
Khairul also raised concern over age eligibility should the Games be postponed.
“If the Games are postponed to next year, some of our athletes may no longer be eligible under the age limit.
“There may be a need to review or extend the age limit,” he added.
Khairul said the SUKMA Supreme Council had earlier agreed for the Games to proceed, with the final decision now subject to further discussions following recent developments.
He explained that any postponement could have wider implications, particularly in terms of financial planning and the continuity of training programmes for athletes preparing for the Games.
The uncertainty follows a proposal by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, to postpone the Games until the conflict in West Asia subsides and the redevelopment of the Shah Alam Stadium is completed.
