SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 — Upgrading works on sports infrastructure, including stadiums, local authority halls, and the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Section 13, are expected to be completed by March next year.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said that as of now, over 50 per cent of the preparations for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2026 venues have been completed and are progressing according to the planned schedule.
“Certain competition venues, like the aquatic centre, have been temporarily closed for upgrading. In fact, tenants there have been exempted from payment and provided with alternative locations in the meantime.
“In addition, maintenance works have also been initiated at the local authority level. By March next year, InsyaAllah (God willing), Selangor will be ready for Sukma 2026,” he said during a press conference at the State Secretariat Building yesterday.
On July 22, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari announced that Sukma Selangor 2026 will take place from August 15 to August 24 next year, while Para Sukma will be held from September 5 to September 14.
He said the opening ceremony of the biennial games will be held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Meanwhile, on the proposal to include pickleball as a competitive event, Najwan, who is also the Sukma 2026 Implementation Committee's chairman, said it is not yet the right time for the sport to be contested.
“Selangor has the advantage and is prepared to host the sport, but other states lack the necessary facilities.
“In addition, starting next year, we will implement a grassroots development programme. We are starting at the grassroots level because, even though the sport is gaining popularity, it is mostly played by adults rather than children.
“With this development programme in place, it will provide exposure and allow us to evaluate whether to introduce the sport in Sukma or other championships. We are in the planning phase for the time being,” he said.
