SHAH ALAM, Aug 25 — The state's successful hosting of the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) is seen as capable of setting a new benchmark for organising sporting events at the national level.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said Selangor’s approach, particularly in terms of financial management and the use of existing facilities, could serve as an example for other states that will host SUKMA in the future.
Despite financial constraints, the state government ensured the Games were held in a vibrant atmosphere, with competition venues receiving an encouraging response from sports fans nationwide.
“We are grateful that despite facing financial constraints, Selangor has good and ready sports facilities, meaning we only needed to improve some of the existing facilities.
“So for other states, this could become a benchmark, with Selangor’s approach to hosting the Games serving as a ‘template’, particularly in terms of expenditure control.
“However, there were several things we had to address, such as maintaining the festive atmosphere while keeping the opening and closing ceremonies modest,” he told Media Selangor.
Meanwhile, Najwan also expressed pride after the state contingent made history as the first contingent in SUKMA to surpass the 100-gold-medal mark.
Selangor ended the competition with 101 gold medals, achieving an impressive feat on home soil.
The contingent opened its gold-medal account through the 3x3 basketball event, before the Silambam squad completed the achievement with the final gold medal just hours before the official closing ceremony.
The achievement capped SUKMA 2026, which not only focused on organising the Games but also saw an impressive performance by the host contingent.
