SHAH ALAM, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- The Selangor government’s proposal to include silambam, a tradisional martial art, as a contested event in the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) reflects its commitment to addressing public concerns and promoting inclusivity, said Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan.
In a statement today, he commended Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi, and all state executive council members for their proactive leadership, which he believes will bring long-term benefits to the sport and the community.
“This decision is rooted in genuine sportsmanship and high sporting values, not in creating division or racial sentiment as alleged by certain quarters,” he said, also thanking Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo for their support in resolving the matter.
On Aug 5, the SUKMA Supreme Committee, chaired by Yeoh, announced 34 compulsory sports and four newly approved additions — chess, e-sports, cricket, and kabaddi, but excluded silambam, prompting criticism.
In response, the Selangor government last Friday proposed silambam, along with petanque and Muay Thai, as additional events for the biennial games.
-- BERNAMA
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