Sukma: 132 athletes identified for SEA Games preparations

In a statement on Wednesday, Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari announced that 132 athletes from the Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma) have been identified as potential candidates for the 2027 SEA Games. The athletes, comprising 59 men and 73 women, were chosen based on their performance at the Sukma Games. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with the National Sports Council and other stakeholders, will continue to monitor and assess these athletes considering their current performance, consistency, fitness, injury status, national and international performance, and event-specific requirements.

Dr Taufiq emphasized that the review of Sukma efforts would focus on athlete development, talent identification, participation of young athletes, competition standards, coach development, sports science utilization, and pathways for athletes to national development programs. These initiatives are crucial to ensure Sukma remains an effective platform for producing high-performance athletes who can bring glory to Malaysia on the global stage.

The Minister also acknowledged the success of the Terengganu track cycling team, including Nur Aieris Madhiah, Dahlia Hazwani, Ameera Alya, and Nur Aierin Wadhiah, who set a new national record in the team pursuit at Sukma 2026. Eliza Tan, a Selangor swimmer, broke the national record in the women's 100m freestyle twice during the event.

Dr Taufiq commended the Terengganu track cycling team, Selangor swimmer Eliza Tan, the Terengganu track cycling team, the Selangor state government, the Selangor State Sports Council, national sports associations, state contingents, and all stakeholders involved in the successful organization of Sukma 2026, which concluded from August 15 to 24. The host state emerged overall champions, securing 101 gold, 73 silver, and 71 bronze medals.