SHAH ALAM, April 28 — The state's athletes continue their training in preparation for the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA). despite earlier concerns over a possible postponement.
The Selangor Sports Council's executive director Mohamad Nizam Marjugi said training sessions have never been halted as athlete development is continuous and not solely focused on SUKMA.
“They also need to take part in various championships and circuits throughout the year, including overseas.
“If training stops, it will affect their performance and momentum. That is why training continues so they are always prepared and able to deliver their best,” he told Media Selangor.
As host of SUKMA's 22nd edition, scheduled from August 15 to August 24, the Selangor contingent is targeting around 80 gold medals, representing approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the total 474 events contested.
“We hope each sport can contribute gold medals. Based on simple calculations, there are 37 sports. One sport, one gold. If each sport wins two golds, we will surpass 60, but all athletes and coaches must play their roles,” Nizam said.
On Sunday (April 26), Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari announced that the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj had granted royal consent for SUKMA 2026 to proceed in a prudent and cost-conscious manner after receiving a briefing from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He said a special meeting of the SUKMA Supreme Committee scheduled for Thursday (April 30) will be used by the Selangor 2026 Secretariat to present the latest status of preparations, particularly cost-saving measures.
Last Monday (April 20), His Royal Highness had proposed postponing the biennial Games until the West Asia crisis subsides and the Shah Alam Stadium is fully completed, citing the high costs involved amid current economic conditions.
Aside from the Games in August, its counterpart for para-athletes, the Para SUKMA 2026, will be held from September 5 to September 10.
