SELANGOR: Let the Games begin as Sarawak officially launched its title defence at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII and Para SUKMA Selangor 2026 opening ceremony on Saturday (Aug 15) night.
Sarawak brought its colours, pride and fighting spirit to Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam, marching into the Games carrying the rallying cry “One Family, One Mission, Sarawak Champion” as the defending champions set their sights on retaining the overall title.
Leading the Sarawak contingent during the parade were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, who serves as the SUKMA Chef de Mission (CDM), and Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Dr Mohammad Razi Sitam, the Para SUKMA CDM.
As the contingent approached the main stage, Rentap rallied the athletes and officials with the battle cry “Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban” (“As long as I live, I will fight”).
at the SUKMA XXII and Para SUKMA Selangor 2026 opening ceremony
Boxer Khairul Hazami Sulam had the honour of carrying the Sarawak flag, accompanied by hockey player Oleaya Octavia and para powerlifter Bibiana Ahmad, who carried the contingent banner.
Adding colour to the ceremony, the Sarawak contingent donned vibrant yellow tracksuits featuring bold red and black diagonal stripes inspired by the state flag, complemented by matching red caps and footwear that reflected unity, pride and Sarawak’s identity.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
SUKMA XXII runs from Aug 15 to 24 and features 37 sports with 474 medal events, while Para SUKMA will be held from Sept 5 to 10, featuring 10 sports.
As defending champions, Sarawak is represented by a 983-member contingent, including 763 athletes, and is targeting 75 gold medals to retain the overall title after topping the medal standings at SUKMA Sarawak 2024 with 76 gold, 55 silver and 70 bronze medals.
As of Saturday, Sarawak had won two gold and three bronze medals to sit seventh in the overall standings.
