2024 Sukma in S’wak will boost national unity — Premier
KUCHING: Participation from all states, including Brunei Darussalam, in the 21st edition of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be hosted by Sarawak in August will bolster the national spirit and fortify unity across the country, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The text of his speech was read by Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during the launching ceremony of Sukma XXI and Para Sukma XXI at Pullman Hotel here yesterday.
Also present were Ministry of Youth and Sports secretarygeneral Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu representing Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh and Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Welfare Development of Sarawak cum chef de mission for Sarawak Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam.
The 2024 Sukma, which will feature 37 sports comprising 490 events, will be held across nine divisions in the state including Miri, Bintulu, Mukah, Sibu, Betong, Sri Aman, Serian, Samarahan and Kuching.
The sports cluster earmarked for Kuching comprises 25 sports while Miri will host six sports, with three sports allocated to each of Samarahan, Sibu, Mukah, and Bintulu. Additionally, Serian, Sri Aman, and Betong will each accommodate one sport.
“The objective of hosting the 21st Sukma across nine divisions is to enable communities beyond Kuching to benefit economically and to provide athletes the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Sarawak,” the Premier added.
Abang Johari also called on Sarawak athletes to pursue excellence with unwavering sportsmanship.
Sarawak last hosted the national games in 2016.