SUKMA 2024: Judo, Silat, Kabaddi Among Gold Targets For Perak

IPOH, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Perak contingent is placing high hopes particularly on its judo, silat, kabaddi, silambam, muay thai, cricket, and hockey teams to bring home gold medals at the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Sarawak, which will take place from Aug 17 to 24.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that Perak are targeting at least 35 gold medals and aiming for a top-five finish at this year's SUKMA, expressing confidence that the challenging goal is achievable.

"Our slogan 'Silver to Gold' is not just rhetoric but reflects our determination to improve upon the eighth-place finish from the last SUKMA edition," he said after the Flag Handover Ceremony to the contingent here today.

To prepare the athletes, the state government has implemented several important initiatives, including three motivational camps, namely the SUKMA Perak Silver to Gold Camp, the Perak Podium Athlete Camp, and the Belang Tarung Tiga Warna Camp. The final phase of the training programme is also in full swing.

As a token of appreciation, the state government, through the Perak State Sports Council, will provide winning incentives for athletes who contribute medals to the state at this SUKMA.

Saarani announced that individual gold medallists will receive RM5,000, silver medallists RM3,000, and bronze medallists RM1,000 and for team events, the rewards are RM2,500 for gold, RM1,500 for silver, and RM500 for bronze.

"Coaches and managers will also receive incentives based on the achievements of the athletes under their guidance.

"In the case of extraordinary achievements, the incentives will also be extraordinary, depending on the circumstances," he said when asked about additional incentives for exceptional performance by Perak athletes at this SUKMA.

At the last SUKMA in Kuala Lumpur, Perak secured 27 gold, 28 silver and 46 bronze medals.

-- BERNAMA