SUKIPT 2024 Kicks Off With Over 6,000 Athletes From 76 Contingents

SINTOK, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- With over 6,000 athletes from 76 contingents participating, the 2024 Higher Education Institution Games (SUKIPT) kicked off today, promising a more competitive and thrilling event than its previous editions. 

Higher Education Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Dr Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian said the large number of athletes indicates that the contingents have made thorough preparations for the event.

“Looking at the contingents here, it’s not just public universities but also private higher education institutions (IPTS). They are excited about this biannual sports event.

“The private institutions also want to showcase their talents in sports and see where they stand in terms of potential and performance," he told a press conference after officiating the 2024 SUKIPT Games Village at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) here today.

Also present was UUM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan.

Megat Sany said the involvement of a larger number of athletes, particularly from private institutions, which have sent over 40 contingents this time, is expected to break the dominance of certain public universities in specific sports and potentially uncover new talented athletes.

“If we look at the history, some universities, like Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), were strong in the past. But recently, many universities have become more competitive… so the challenge will be even stronger now,” he said.

The sixth edition of SUKIPT will feature 28 sports, starting today until Sept 14. 

-- BERNAMA