By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, July 1 — The 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor this August will serve as an important platform to identify promising young athletes capable of representing the country at the international level in future, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
The Youth and Sports Ministry said SUKMA has evolved beyond a national sporting competition and now plays a crucial role in the country's athlete development pipeline.
“The organisation of SUKMA not only functions as a national-level competition platform, but also serves as an important foundation for identifying potential athletes to be developed progressively towards representing the nation at the international level.
“Potential athletes or medal winners at SUKMA, including SUKMA 2026 Selangor, will be absorbed into the Development Programme under the supervision of the National Sports Council (NSC).
“The Development Programme serves as a transition platform from youth athlete development to high-performance training through structured programmes and exposure to international-level competitions,” the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply published for the June 30 sitting.
The ministry was responding to Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden, who asked how many junior athletes are expected to benefit directly from SUKMA 2026.
Afnan also asked how the ministry would ensure that SUKMA is not merely a seasonal sporting event but genuinely strengthens the development of national athletes ahead of the 2027 SEA Games.
The ministry added that athletes in the Development Programme who continue to improve and deliver consistent performances may then be considered for the Podium Programme.
“Athletes from the Development Programme who demonstrate improved performances and consistent achievements will subsequently be considered for the Podium Programme.
“The programme will help strengthen preparations for the national contingent heading into the 2027 SEA Games as part of efforts to emerge as overall champions,” it said.
Citing the 2024 Sarawak SUKMA as an example of the Games' effectiveness, the ministry said the event attracted 7,838 athletes from 15 contingents, including Brunei, while 58 athletes from 12 sports were selected to join the NSC Development Programme.
“SUKMA is not merely a seasonal sporting event. It is a strategic platform that plays an important role in continuously strengthening the development of national athletes.
“Through talent identification mechanisms and a structured athlete development pathway, SUKMA forms the foundation for producing a pool of athletes with the potential to progress to the national and international stage.
“This role is highly significant in ensuring talent continuity and strengthening preparations for the 2027 SEA Games,” the ministry said.
Selangor will host the 22nd edition of SUKMA from August 15 to 24, bringing together about 10,000 athletes from 15 contingents, including Brunei.
Participants will compete in 37 sports, with events conducted according to formats and regulations recognised by the respective National Sports Associations and aligned with international sporting bodies.
