Selangor on track to host Sukma XXII this Aug, says Najwan

KUCHING (Jan 7): Selangor is on schedule in its preparations to host the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma XXII) this August, with over 80 per cent of competition facilities expected to be completed by the end of April, said Selangor exco member Mohd Najwan Halimi.

He added that all venues and supporting infrastructure are scheduled to be fully ready within the same timeframe, ensuring smooth preparations ahead of the national multi-sport event.

“Overall, more than 80 per cent of the facilities will be completed by the end of April, and all venues are expected to be fully ready within that period,” he told a press conference on Selangor’s Sukma XXII readiness at Bangunan Baitul Makmur II here.

Najwan, who was in Kuching with the Selangor delegation, extended the invitation to Sarawak to participate in the biannual games and briefed State Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah on Selangor’s hosting preparations.

Key facilities include the Shah Alam Convention Centre and venues in Subang, managed by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).

On event management, Najwan said the Game Management System (GMS) has been activated, with state contingent registration open from Jan 2 to Feb 13.

“The registration of contingents through the GMS has been opened, and all states have until Feb 13 to complete their registration,” he said, adding that training programmes for officials will also be conducted to ensure efficient event operations.

Najwan confirmed that Sukma XXII will feature the same number of sports as the previous edition in Sarawak, involving 37 sports and 474 events.

“We are maintaining the same number of sports as Sukma XXI Sarawak, with 37 sports and 474 events to be contested in Selangor,” he said.

Addressing concerns over venue readiness, Najwan assured that Selangor has sufficient facilities, including international-standard stadiums currently used by the national football team.

“We have stadiums across Selangor, including international-standard venues such as Stadium Petaling Jaya, so there is no issue in terms of facilities,” he said.

Competitions will be spread across nine zones, with events assigned based on suitability and logistical considerations.

On international participation, Najwan said Brunei is expected to be invited, given its longstanding involvement with Sukma, while participation from other countries is yet to be finalised.

“We are confident that Selangor will be fully prepared to host Sukma XXII and deliver a successful event for all participating states,” he said.

Sukma XXII will be held from Aug 15–24, with Para Sukma following from Sept 5–14.

The opening ceremony will take place at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on Aug 15, and the closing ceremony at Stadium Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) on Aug 24.

Approximately 10,000 athletes and officials are projected to participate in this 22nd edition of the Games.