By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 4: Sarawak’s Para Sukma athletes have been urged to maintain their “thirst for gold” as they prepare to defend their overall championship title at the Para Sukma XXII Selangor 2026 Games next month.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the Sarawak Para contingent must remain focused and united in its quest to retain the crown it reclaimed during the previous edition of the Games.
“We are going to Selangor not to surrender the championship title. We are going to Selangor to defend our championship,” she said when officiating the Sarawak Para Contingent Motivation Camp and the Countdown: 32 Days to Go programme at a hotel here today.
With only 32 days remaining before the Games begin, Fatimah called on athletes to intensify their preparations, strengthen their physical and mental readiness, refine their techniques and build confidence ahead of the competition.
She reminded the athletes that they carry the hopes and aspirations of Sarawak whenever they step onto the field of play.
“You are not just athletes. You are ambassadors of Sarawak. When you win, the whole of Sarawak will smile. When you stand on the podium, the Sarawak flag will fly high,” she said.
Fatimah said Sarawak heads into the Games as defending champions after emerging as overall winners at the 2024 Para Sukma in Sarawak, where the contingent collected 82 gold, 53 silver and 74 bronze medals.
Describing the achievement as the result of sacrifice, hard work and determination, she urged athletes not to relinquish the title they fought so hard to regain.
“Those are not merely numbers. They are history. They are the result of sacrifice, training, tears, sweat and the fighting spirit of our athletes,” she said.
At the Para Sukma XXII Selangor 2026, the Sarawak contingent will compete in 10 sports, including boccia, para badminton, para lawn bowls, para chess, para archery, para athletics, para table tennis, para powerlifting, para swimming and para tenpin bowling.
Fatimah also called on athletes to remain disciplined during the final stages of preparation by maintaining proper nutrition, fitness, rest and emotional well-being, while listening to coaches and respecting teammates and opponents.
She also acknowledged the important role played by coaches and officials, urging them to continue guiding and supporting athletes throughout the campaign.
“We are not only developing athletes. We are developing disciplined, confident individuals with strong character,” she said.
Rallying the contingent ahead of its departure to Selangor, Fatimah said every member of Team Sarawak must embrace a winning mentality and remain focused on achieving the ultimate goal.
“I want every athlete to remember these words: Gold for Gold! Go for Gold! Haus! Not an ordinary thirst, but a thirst for gold, a thirst for victory and a thirst for championship,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Dr Mohammad Razi Sitam, Deputy Minister of Women and Childhood Datuk Rosey Yunus, Sarawak Community and Welfare Department director Semawi Mohamad, and MSN Sarawak director Mu’azamir Jili were among the distinguished guests present.
