Selangor SUKMA: Johor Medallists Receive RM1.76 Mln In Incentives

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- The Johor government today presented a total of RM1.76 million in winning incentives as a token of appreciation to athletes who represented the state at the 2026 Selangor Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA).

Track star Danish Iftikhar Muhammad Roslee and Para SUKMA chess player Ainul Mardhiah Mohd Afif, who each won three gold medals, received the highest incentives of RM30,000 each.

Johor collected 36 golds, 52 silvers and 46 bronzes to finish sixth overall in SUKMA, while their Para SUKMA contingent amassed 26 golds, 32 silvers and 31 bronzes to finish fourth overall.

State Youth, Sports, Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the incentives were not merely a reward for the results achieved, but also recognition of the athletes’ efforts and sacrifices throughout their training and preparations for the Games.

He said every achievement by the athletes was also made possible by the commitment of coaches, officials, associations and families in ensuring that they were able to deliver their best performances.

“To the medallists, keep up the momentum. To those who have yet to achieve their targers, continue to strive and don’t stop chasing your dreams,” he said at the 20206 Selangor SUKMA and Para SUKMA Incentive Presentation ceremony here today.

Mohd Hairi was previously reported as saying that athletes who won gold in team events involving three to seven athletes would receive RM9,000 each.

For team events involving more than seven athletes, each gold medallist will receive RM8,500, while athletes who win individual or doubles events will receive RM10,000 each.

Meanwhile, he said the state government, through the Johor State Sports Council (MSN) would continue to strengthen support for the development of sports in the state, including improving the quality of training and coaching, talent development and enhancing the high-performance sports ecosystem.

He also reminded sports associations to always be transparent and avoid favouritism in the athlete selection process.

He said association presidents must ensure that such practices do not occur to prevent deserving athletes from being overlooked for selection to represent the state.

As such, he said he would, together with the Johor MSN, engage with sports associations to identify any problems or obstacles they are facing in a bid to strengthen the quality of sports in the state.

-- BERNAMA