By Shikin Louis
LAWAS, April 27: Sarawak has set its sights on regaining the title of overall champion in this year’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) after last winning it in 1994.
Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this is the third time that Sarawak has been given the responsibility to host Sukma after 1990 and 2016.
Sarawak has also won Sukma’s overall title three consecutive times – 1990, 1992 and 1994.
“The last time we (Sarawak) were crowned the overall champion was in 1994 which is 30 years ago.
“I wish to stress to the Sarawak contingent that 30 years is a very long time. If we got married during that time, our children are all grown up now.
“That is why this year is a very meaningful year for the Sarawak’s contingent. We do not want to be second fiddle or second best. This is the time for us to achieve glory,” he said when officiating the Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024 Baton Relay opening ceremony broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) in Facebook today.
Left with only 111 days until the commencement of Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024, which runs from Aug 17 to 24, Abdul Karim said this year’s Sukma would feature 37 events with a total of 484 events, making it the biggest sporting event in Malaysia.
On the breakdown of the events, 25 would be organised in Kuching, followed by Miri (6), Samarahan (3), Sibu (3), Mukah (3), Bintulu (3), Serian (1), Sri Aman (1) and Betong (1).
He also informed that the participating contingents are the 13 Malaysian states, Federal Territories, and Brunei Darussalam – 15.
Also present were Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee who is also the chief executive officer of Sukma and Para Sukma XXI Sarawak 2024; Sarawak Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development permanent secretary Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua; MYSED permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick; Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) chief executive officer Awang Putrayusrie Awang Reduan and Limbang Division Resident Unus Tambi. — DayakDaily
