KLANG, Aug 20 — Selangor athletes must focus up and work hard to maintain the state’s position at the top of the SUKMA leaderboard, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He added that the state’s gold medal tally is on track, and he is optimistic that the 80-gold target can be achieved.
“Of course there are some (medals) we missed, but we got some bonuses. We are still on track to achieve the overall target, but the competition is still tense with Terengganu, Johor and Sarawak (tight on our heels).
“I ask that the whole contingent focus on achieving victory,” he said when met after watching the Selangor-Terengganu muay thai match with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at KSL Esplanade Mall here today.
As of 8pm, Selangor is at the top of the leaderboard with 110 medals — 38 gold, 42 silver and 30 bronze.
Amirudin said he would talk to broadcasters about airing the football final live.
Earlier, the menteri besar and Anwar spent nearly two hours watching the SUKMA men’s 60kg muay thai match between Selangor’s Putra Abdullah Mahmoud and Terengganu’s Jashan Balamurugeshwaran.
They were accompanied by state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi.
Amirudin told reporters that he is happy to see excited spectators at the venue, even though SUKMA organisers had to deal with cost cuts.
“Thank you to the volunteers who have been so committed to their tasks. I am also happy that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim spent around 15 to 20 minutes watching the match and greeting the athletes.
“May his presence improve the environment and vibe of this SUKMA,” he added.
