SHAH ALAM, Sept 11 — The 2026 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) are being positioned as a platform to unearth new talent capable of representing Malaysia at the Paralympics and world championships.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said this was among Selangor’s main goals as host, including setting an age limit of below 40 to give more emerging athletes the opportunity to gain experience and develop their potential.
“My hope is that these exceptional athletes will go on to compete at higher levels, including the Paralympics in the future, and one day become world champions.
“That was indeed one of Selangor’s aspirations in hosting the Games and limiting the age category to below 40, so that we can produce more new talents who are competitive and capable of bringing glory to Malaysia on the international stage,” he said.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Para SUKMA at the Selangor International Trade Centre here last night.
Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Youth and Sports EXCO Mohd Najwan Halimi and Kelantan Menteri Besar Dato’ Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Amirudin said the participation of 1,352 para athletes from across the country in 10 sports demonstrated that Para SUKMA could serve as an important platform for athletes to test their abilities, gain experience and progress to higher levels of competition.
He said Selangor would remain proud even if the talents who emerged from the Games were not from the state, as their success would also reflect the effectiveness of the platform it had provided.
“Even if those athletes do not come from Selangor, the state will still be proud because those talents emerged from the 2026 Selangor Para SUKMA.
“Their spirit is truly extraordinary. Their struggle and sacrifices are even more remarkable because the challenges faced by each of these athletes have not stood in the way of their determination and drive to succeed and make a name for themselves,” he said.
Amirudin said the para athletes’ fighting spirit was also evident when the Games were affected by haze, which forced several events to be postponed.
He said the disruption did not dampen the athletes’ determination to continue their preparations and deliver their best performances throughout the Games.
Amirudin also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in making the 22nd Selangor SUKMA and the 2026 Selangor Para SUKMA a success.
He said that although the Games were organised prudently, providing the best possible experience for athletes and contingents remained a priority.
“Most importantly, through these Games, bonds and friendships have been forged and will endure, even amid fierce competition in the sporting arena,” he said.
