GEORGE TOWN, April 16 (Bernama) -- Penang will be targeting 60 gold medals at the 23rd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, which will be held from Aug 15-24.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen described it as a realistic target, based on the thorough preparation the athletes have undergone since the conclusion of the previous edition of the Games, including exposing them to national and international-level competitions.
He said the state's athletes are now in the final phase of preparation, focusing on improving their performance and ensuring their well-being and fitness are at optimal levels.
"We are now 120 days away from SUKMA 2026, and this is the most critical phase of our preparation.
"The most important thing is to ensure our athletes do not succumb to injuries as it would affect their medal chances at the Games,” he told reporters at the 120-Day Countdown to the 23rd Malaysia Games 2026 here today.
Elaborating, he said that combat sports remained the state's main hopes for gold medals.
Gooi also said that the actual number of athletes to be sent for the Games has yet to be finalised.
"Over 800 athletes are currently training for the 37 sports, and about 500 will be shortlisted. The shortlist will be finalised soon, before we announce the official number of athletes who will represent Penang at SUKMA,” he said.
He also said that the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) is actively coordinating the athletes’ accommodation requirements since there will be no centralised Games Village this time.
He added that proper planning would be required as the events would be held across several districts in Selangor.
"Although the organiser is providing a daily subsidy of RM100, part of the fixed costs will be borne by the state government to ensure the athletes’ welfare and needs are taken care of,” he said.
SUKMA 2026 is set to feature 30 core sports, including athletics, aquatics, football, hockey and badminton, with seven other sports, such as chess, e-sports, cricket and kabaddi, added, bringing the total to 37.
In the previous edition in Sarawak, Penang clinched 41 gold, 45 silver and 43 bronze medals.
-- BERNAMA
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