By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 9: The 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Sarawak is estimated to bring in about 15,000 athletes and officials from various states and Brunei Darussalam, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
This, he said, would be the biggest sports event since Sukma and Para Sukma were held for the first time in 1986.
This will also be the third time that Sarawak is hosting the event after 1990 and 2016.
“This year’s Sukma involves 37 sports and 490 events. It will be hosted in nine divisions in Sarawak: Miri, Bintulu, Mukah, Sibu, Betong, Sri Aman, Serian, Samarahan, and Kuching.
“The purpose of the organising Sukma in nine divisions is so that the community outside of Kuching city can enjoy the economic overflow and also give the athletes the opportunity to enjoy the cultural richness of the community in multiracial Sarawak,” he said in a text speech read by Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during the launching of Sukma 2024 held at Pullman Hotel here today.
Abang Johari further said that for Para Sukma, as many as ten sports, equivalent to 361 events, are being competed in, which will involve an estimated total of 1,400 para-athletes and 600 officials.
He said the Para Sukma will be held one month after the Sukma, which will be from September 20 to 29 only around the Kuching Division.
“Para Sukma will involve 15 states, including the Federal Territory of Labuan. The events that will be contested are Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boccia, Lawn Bowl, Powerlifting, Swimming, Chess, Ping-Pong, and Tenpin Bowling,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Abdul Karim pointed out that the targeted 15,000 Sukma athletes and officials do not include their family members.
“I believe that the number of visitors to Sarawak during Sukma will exceed more than 20,000. That is why we have divided the sports events into nine divisions; we want that multiplier effect in terms of economy,” he said.
Also present were Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) secretary-general Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee. — DayakDaily
