By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Jan 7 — The Selangor Sports Council intends to send high-performing athletes for overseas training as preparation for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in 2026.
Its executive director Mohamad Nizam Marjugi said the events involving high-performing athletes include wushu, weightlifting, and diving.
"We want to expose athletes to overseas training. For instance, we have an 'attachment programme' with Indonesia for weightlifting.
[caption id="attachment_361678" align="alignright" width="408"] Selangor Sports Council executive director Mohamad Nizam Marjugi delivers his speech during the Selangor Local Youth Movement briefing session at Dewan Jubli Perak in the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on May 17, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"With overseas training, they can also gain experience and a change of environment, which in turn will help improve their performance ahead of Sukma," he told Media Selangor.
Meanwhile, Nizam said the council is currently selecting Sukma athletes, with the initial line-up expected to be finalised next month.
The state government is also expected to announce the Sukma secretariat head after the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) meeting tomorrow.
"In terms of athlete selection, we need to make early preparations because this time, Selangor is not just participating in the events but also needs to ensure championship success," he said.
Selangor will host the 2026 Sukma Games, having last hosted the prestigious event in 1998.