By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, Feb 11 — The state's athletes for the 28 compulsory sporting events have begun undergoing intensive training in preparation for hosting the Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Selangor next year.
Selangor Sports Council executive director Mohamad Nizam Marjugi said the appointment of the coaches for the events has already been carried out, with each competing athlete tested for eligibility.
"Medal-winning sports like swimming and athletics undergo training after Sukma Sarawak (last year) to maintain momentum.
[caption id="attachment_234821" align="alignright" width="373"]
Selangor State Sports Council executive director Mohamad Nizam Marjugi.[/caption]
"Whereas regular training for sports including shooting, gymnastics, and cycling has been increased as we aim to increase the medal tally and break the dominance of other states," he told Media Selangor.
Simultaneously, Nizam hopes that all Selangor residents will give full support to the state's young athletes in realising their goal of becoming the overall champion at the biennial tournament.
"All the host states basically want to be champions. It is also Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari's vision and desire.
"We are working towards this goal, but we need the support of the state government, agencies, and the entire community in Selangor," he said.
The last time Selangor hosted the prestigious sport was in 1998.
Last year, Amirudin said the state government has estimated that it will require an allocation of over RM150 million to organise Sukma 2026, which will also utilise around 90 per cent of Selangor's infrastructure.
[caption id="attachment_369502" align="aligncenter" width="1049"]
The Selangor men's volleyball team celebrating their gold medal victory following their match against the Federal Territories during the 21st Malaysia Games, at Dewan Bola Tampar Rejang Park in Sibu, Sarawak, on August 23, 2024. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
