SUKMA: SARAWAK TO APPEAL FOR INCLUSION OF WOMEN'S SEPAK TAKRAW TEAM EVENT

KUCHING, July 17 (Bernama) -- Sarawak will appeal to the SUKMA Supreme Council to ensure that the women's sepak takraw team event continues to be held during the 21st edition of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) next month.

Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said only five states have submitted their entries, which does not meet the competition's six-state minimum requirement.

"Tomorrow, the SUKMA Supreme Council will meet in Kuala Lumpur. I will submit an appeal to the council for the event (women’s sepak takraw team) to be held. If successful, then we will go back to having 488 events (for SUKMA).

“I am confident we will get it (the approval). The players (from the five participating states) have already purchased their flight tickets and have been in training for months. It will be frustrating for them if they can’t compete,” he said in his speech during the SUKMA 2024 sponsors’ appreciation event here today.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said that, so far, SUKMA 2024 has attracted 27 sponsors, with a total contribution of RM13,040,360.

“We appreciate the generous contributions and steadfast commitment of our sponsors. Your belief in the potential of our young athletes and your dedication to promoting sports excellence will make a profound impact on this prestigious national sports event,” he said.

SUKMA 2024 will be from Aug 17-24, with 37 sports contested in nine divisions - Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri.

Of the 488 events, 236 are men’s events, 217 are women’s events and 35 are mixed events. 

Sarawak has hosted SUKMA twice - in 1990 and 2016.

-- BERNAMA