By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Nov 9 — Selangor is capable of taking up the gauntlet to host the Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) 2029, considering its excellent track record of organising large-scale sporting events.
Sports commentator Dato’ Pekan Ramli said that the state's ability to provide the best sporting facilities cannot be doubted, as evident from its current preparations as host for Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) 2026.
"Selangor is getting ready for Sukma 2026. Naturally, the ISG will be a continuation from there in terms of the readiness of facilities, the hiring of officials and its role as host.
"Also, by then, the new Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) would be built. It would be an amazing venue to host the visiting athletes from Islamic nations and a show of Selangor's success on a global level," he said.
Pekan added that it is an honour for Selangor and Malaysia to be chosen as host by the Organisation of Islamic Coopertion (OIC) and that this responsibility will bring social, economic and cultural gains.
Selangor's strategic location as a state that neighbours Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya is also its advantage over the other states in the country, adding to its suitability as host, he said.
"All these factors show that Selangor is capable of organising an international-level sporting event.
"It will surely be regarded among OIC members as one of the most progressive states in the East, after Palembang, Indonesia, who played host for the third ISG in 2013.
"Not only this, the economic returns, too, will be great as representatives from more than 50 countries — with a total of more than 4,000 athletes and officials — will attend," Pekan said.
Yesterday, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that the decision for Selangor to host the next ISG, which will see the participation of 57 counties, shows the level of trust that other nations have in its abilities.
Amirudin added that the state's preparations for Sukma 2026 will add on to its readiness.
Apart from Malaysia, Uzbekistan and Iran had made bids to organise ISG 2029. This year's games will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 7 to 21.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said KSSA would be ready for use by 2028 and will be the main venue for ISG 2029.
