By Zareef Muzammil
KUCHING, Aug 17 — A total of 706 athletes from Selangor and 213 officials took part in the ceremonial parade for the state contingent at the opening of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak tonight.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi led the state contingent at the prestigious biennial national sporting event's opening ceremony, which took place with grandeur at the Sarawak Stadium.
Triple jump athlete Muhammad Izzul Haniff Mohd Raffi, who previously competed in the SEA Games 2023, was honoured as the flag bearer for Selangor at the event.
The contingent also featured the White Eagle mascot at the event's opening, which was attended by thousands from all walks of life.
In total, 10,481 athletes and officials from 15 contingents participated in the opening ceremony, with the host state sending the largest contingent of 1,054 people, followed by Sabah (946), and Selangor (919).
The Federal Territory sent 916 athletes including officials, Penang (804), Perak (803), Johor (789), Pahang (757), Terengganu (751), Melaka (612), Kedah (596), Negeri Sembilan (546), Kelantan (502), Perlis (398), and Brunei (88).
Sukma 2024 was officiated by Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg in attendance.
Themed Unity as the Burning Goal' (Matlamat Perpaduan Membara), the ceremony showcased a unity spirit through a dazzling laser display that captivated the audience.
National diver Datuk Pandalela Rinong and Sarawak boxer Daeloniel Mcdelon Bong were given the honour of lighting the Sukma 2024 torch as a symbolic gesture of the sports' role in uniting communities.
The ceremony's highlights include performances from renowned local artists Faizal Tahir, Jaclyn Victor, and Marsha Milan, alongside cultural displays.
SUKMA 2024 is being held across nine districts in the state until Saturday (August 24), featuring 488 events in 37 sports, comprising 236 men's events, 217 women's events, and 35 mixed events.
Selangor is participating in 37 types of sports, aiming for a total of 61 gold medals and targeting a top-three finish.
[caption id="attachment_368680" align="aligncenter" width="989"]
Participating athletes and sports officials march in the ceremonial parade for the opening ceremony of the 21st Malaysia Games, at the Sarawak Stadium in Kuching, Sarawak, on August 17, 2024. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/MEDIASELANGOR[/caption]
