By Fitri Hazim Hazam
KUALA SELANGOR, Nov 18 — The state government plans to organise various sporting events, including international championships, to boost the tourism industry.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said this initiative is part of a strategy to attract tourists from within Malaysia and abroad to Selangor.
“One of Selangor’s attractions is hosting events, including international ones like the Badminton Asia Team Championships, which is held almost annually.
“We are continuing these efforts by hosting the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in 2026. In the 2025 Selangor Budget, I have announced plans to develop sports including pickleball, as well as non-sporting events like coffee festivals,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Silat Combat Championship at Universiti Teknologi MARA's Puncak Alam campus yesterday.
He also highlighted the state government’s focus on developing silat combat sports in preparation for the 22nd Sukma.
The Selangor Sports Council and the Selangor chapter of the National Silat Federation of Malaysia will organise various tournaments for this discipline.
“According to records from Sukma Sarawak 2024, Selangor only secured one gold medal, though many of the state’s athletes reached the finals in other categories.
“Hosting these competitions is a strategy to refine preparations for Sukma 2026,” Amirudin said.
