KUCHING – Host Sarawak is prepared to “lend” its athletes to other states to overcome the lack of participation in certain events at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024, scheduled to be held from August 17 to 24.
Sarawak Sports Council director Awang Putra Yusrie said that based on information received last week, 30 of the 488 events to be featured at the games seem unlikely to get the minimum participation of six states, thus risk being dropped.
Awang Putra, who is also Sarawak Sports Corporation chief executive officer, said dropping these events would negatively impact athletes’ development.
“We (Sarawak) have backup athletes. Previously, we had also offered several divers to help other states and our women’s futsal team. If other states need athletes in other sports, we are ready (to lend them).
“They (athletes on loan) can train with our athletes here using our facilities. We have talent and it’s a pity if they can’t participate in Sukma.
“But if there’s a request (to borrow an athlete), we will definitely help,” said Awang Putra, adding that he wants all 488 events to be contested.
He said this in a special interview with the Bernama at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Complex here.
Awang Putra felt that it would be unfair to states that have made thorough preparations, including purchasing plane tickets and paying their athletes’ allowances if the events are eventually dropped.
“I hope sports council of other states are aligned with our purpose for holding Sukma and sending athletes this time. The costs in Sarawak are quite high, but this is our opportunity to develop athletes in Malaysia,” he said.
He said a decision on whether any events would be dropped due to lack of participation would be finalised at the Sukma Sarawak 2024 Special Technical Committee meeting to be chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in Kuala Lumpur on July 18.
Sukma 2024 will feature 37 types of sports and 488 events, comprising 236 men’s events, 217 women’s events and 35 mixed events.
The competitions will be staged in nine divisions – Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.
Sukma was introduced in 1986 and Sarawak has hosted it twice before, in 1990 and 2016. – July 12, 2024