Scaled-down SUKMA Not Affecting Preparations Of Terengganu Contingent

KUALA NERUS, April 28 (Bernama) -- The decision to continue the Selangor 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) on a smaller scale following the global supply crisis has not affected the preparations of the Terengganu contingent.

Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said preparations for the country's biggest sports event are proceeding as usual to ensure that athletes are able to take on the challenge of bringing home as many medals as possible.

He said the state government understands the current challenges faced by the central government and the state of Selangor as the organisers, but would ensure that all preparations would not be disrupted and proceed according to plan.

"For the state of Terengganu, there is no change. We moved from day one as soon as the last edition of SUKMA was over...appointing foster parents, foster departments, coaches and so on.

"So there is no impact on us. We will just continue with what was planned. Allocations are also running as usual...nothing has changed," he told reporters after the Terengganu Sports Awards Ceremony 2024/2025 here, last night.

Also present were Terengganu Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisation Development Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim and Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT) director Mohd Shahrizal Yahaya.

Ahmad Samsuri said the government's decision to continue SUKMA is very important to ensure that the line-up of athletes is tested at the national level, before being sent to compete on the international stage.

He said he believed the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) would determine the main and important types of sports to be competed at SUKMA to ensure continuity to higher levels such as the SEA Games in the future.

"This is very important to ensure that Malaysia is able to send qualified athletes who have been tested at the national level," he said.

-- BERNAMA