SEPANG, Aug 9 — The Selangor is hoping that future Malaysian Games (SUKMA) hosts receive more comprehensive support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, said state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi.
He added that support from all quarters would help hosts ensure the national biennial championship is well executed.
“My hope is for future (hosts of) SUKMA to have support from all quarters, especially the federal government and the Youth and Sports Ministry, for us to make this (SUKMA) … livelier,” he told reporters when met after the SUKMA Torch Run, held during the Sepang Car-Free Day and SUKMA and Para SUKMA Volunteers’ Mega Gathering, at the Sepang International Circuit here today.
Najwan added that SUKMA is an important platform for young athletes nationwide to showcase their abilities and talents, and to identify athletes with potential to be featured at higher levels.
“They have sacrificed their time, energy; some put off their studies and some have had to leave their families behind to train, so this is their chance … to showcase their abilities, showcase their talents.
“We ensure they receive opportunities, the (athletes) in SUKMA, for us to identify young talent that we will centre in prestigious games like the SEA Games next year and then the Commonwealth Games and Olympics,” he explained.
He also hopes SUKMA athletes manage to bring home Malaysia’s first Olympic gold in 2028.
Najwan, when asked about allocations for SUKMA, also said Selangor is focusing on its workflows to ensure the event goes well.
“We are considering potential factors based on the current global economic situation, where there is uncertainty, and there are efforts for us to rearrange the allocations, that’s why (Selangor) is at ease. We are moving forward because we want to ensure the sports development agenda doesn’t fall behind.
“We cannot focus solely on materialistic development, but this human capital development, sports development agenda are also important for us to shape the younger generation, especially those involved in sports. That’s what’s urgent,” Najwan added.
