Kelantan Last State To Host SUKMA Under Existing Rotation Model - Hannah

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is considering making Kelantan the last state to host the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) under the existing rotation model as it mulls introducing a new model for the biennial sports event.

Its minister, Hannah Yeoh said hosting rights would be given to Putrajaya or the National Sports Council (NSC) to ensure continuity in contested sports that have been the right of host states.

"After Kelantan, the cycle where all states have hosted the Games will be complete. Previously, every host will look for sports that will offer them a medal advantage, that’s why in every SUKMA, there are sports that are dropped.

“So give us room to study to ensure continuity exists and chart a path for athletes, that their development is there,” she said when met after the groundbreaking of the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s (OCM) new headquarters dubbed the Olympic House in Bukit Jalil here today, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.

She also urged all parties to respect the decision of SUKMA 2026 host, Selangor in matters of selecting the sports contested at the event.

“So, let’s give room for the decision of the Games’ host, respect them and we will discuss the hosting of non-SUKMA sports,” Hannah said.

She also expressed her excitement over the construction of the Olympic House, scheduled to be completed in 2028.

"It is a significant milestone that signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Malaysian sports journey," she added.

-- BERNAMA