15 CONTINGENTS TO COMPETE IN 488 EVENTS AT SARAWAK SUKMA - MSN

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Sarawak, starting on Aug 17, will see 15 contingents competing in 488 events across 37 sports.

The National Sports Council (MSN) announced in a statement today that this was confirmed by the Malaysia Games Supreme Committee in a meeting chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

"... 488 events across 37 sports will be contested in Sarawak, surpassing the previous high of 426 events two years ago. A total of 487 events meet the minimum participation requirement of six state contingents for competition based on final registration confirmation that closed on July 5.

"... while the women's sepak takraw team event has been granted special permission after five states confirmed their participation," the statement said.

MSN noted that the Delegation Registration Meeting on Aug 7 and 8 will confirm the registration of athletes and contingent officials before the men's football event, starting on Aug 10 at five competition venues in Bintulu, Mukah (2), and Sibu (2).

Meanwhile, the SUKMA Supreme Committee also selected Selangor as the host for SUKMA and Para SUKMA XXII, scheduled for 2026.

"The SUKMA host rotation system is set alternately every two years between the National Sports Council (MSN) and the states. However, states can offer themselves during the MSN turn if it does not involve significant hosting costs and they have adequate facilities.

"Based on these conditions, Selangor has offered itself and the Malaysia Games Supreme Committee unanimously confirmed the selection of Selangor as the host of SUKMA 2026. Kelantan will then take the turn as the host of SUKMA 2028," MSN said.

MSN added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) ensures that the SUKMA remains relevant as a quality competition platform for young athletes from across the country, in addition to providing states with the opportunity to have the best sports facilities.

-- BERNAMA