By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 25: Sarawak’s success in taking three cycling track golds at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Selangor 2026 shows that no event is permanently dominated by a single state, says Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Speaking to reporters at the Maulidur Rasul 1448H/2026M celebration programme at Kampung Tambirat today, he said Sarawak had managed to break Terengganu’s dominance in cycling track events, traditionally one of the state’s strongest disciplines.
“Terengganu is strong in these events but we managed to break that dominance and take the gold medals. I am very proud,” he said.
Sarawak’s three cycling golds included a historic victory by 20-year-old Adib Andhar Andan in the men’s keirin, which ended the State’s 40-year wait for gold in the event.
Adib’s victory was particularly notable as Sarawak does not yet have its own velodrome, with the State’s cycling squad having to rely on facilities in Peninsular Malaysia for track training.
The win saw Sarawak overcome established cycling states including Terengganu, Selangor and Johor in the keirin event, with Abdul Karim previously describing the gold as one of the unexpected highlights of Sarawak’s SUKMA campaign.
The breakthrough comes as Sarawak moves to develop dedicated cycling infrastructure, with construction of the proposed Sarawak Velodrome Centre in Kuching expected to begin next year.
He said the facility would provide local cyclists with a dedicated training venue and reduce their reliance on facilities outside the State.
He said the results also reflected the increasingly competitive standard among athletes from different states with the narrowing medal gap showing that Malaysian athletes were improving.
Abdul Karim described the Selangor edition as successful in uncovering new sporting talent.
Sarawak finished fourth overall at SUKMA Selangor 2026 with 41 gold, 40 silver and 62 bronze medals, for a total of 143 medals. — DayakDaily
