SUKMA 2026: Johor Targets Overall Title
JOHOR BAHRU, April 30 (Bernama) -- The Johor contingent is targeting a return to the top, seeking to reclaim the overall championship title at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) 2026, to be held in Selangor from Aug 15 to 24.
State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said all sports associations under the Johor Sports Council (MSNJ) have made thorough preparations.
He said Johor will send one of the largest contingents to the 2026 edition, with around 800 athletes and officials, aiming to bring home the targeted gold medals.
"This year, we're pushing to finish in the top three, and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and the whole leadership are hoping for a big surprise to bring the SUKMA trophy home to Johor, Insya-Allah.
"Johor took the overall SUKMA crown in 2022 with 77 golds, and we're set on repeating that triumph," he said.
"Our athletes are almost fully prepped and ready. We're primed to make Johor the top contingent at SUKMA 2026 in Selangor," he said during a media briefing and launch of Johor's team for the 42nd Agong Cup 2026 here last night.
Meanwhile, Mohd Hairi said Johor welcomes Sultan Selangor's Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah's directive for a cautious implementation of the 22nd SUKMA.
He said the state government is all set, following Onn Hafiz's announcement of RM7.5 million for SUKMA 2026 prep in last year's budget.
"We're waiting on tomorrow's meeting where the Youth and Sports Minister will sit down with sports executive councillors nationwide to decide on host readiness, accommodation, and the rest.
"Insya-Allah, the Johor Menteri Besar will have a special announcement for SUKMA 2026 athletes, coaches and support staff this Monday, which could include incentives to fire up the push for medals," he said.
SUKMA 2026 has the go-ahead at last, with Sultan Sharafuddin approving a more measured rollout prioritising cost savings.
The approval came after he granted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim an audience on April 23 to discuss the status of the biennial event.
-- BERNAMA
