KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 – Sarawak has been given a tall order – to win the overall title in the 2020 Sukma (Malaysia Games) in Johor to be held next year.
The event was postponed from this year because of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The 19th edition of the biennial games – often called as Malaysia’s mini Olympics – was originally scheduled for July 11-19 this year before the pandemic wreaked havoc with sports worldwide were many either canceled or postponed.
While retaining the original logo Sukma Johor 2020, the national games will now be held from March 6-14, 2021. The para games are fixed for 5-10 April 2021.
Sarawak Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah wants the state to go for the overall title which they last won in 1994 when Perak played host. Sarawak’s tally read 39 gold, 28 silver, and 30 bronze.
The East Malaysian state – a known powerhouse in Malaysian sports – also won the overall title in 1990 when it played host and retained it in 1992 when Johor hosted the games in 1992.
Their last trip to Johor saw Sarawak win 36 gold, 27 silver, and 26 bronze for the overall title and hope to strike it rich again and make the southern state a happy hunting ground.
“I want Sarawak to win the overall title again. We fell short a couple of times in the last few editions. The pandemic affected our preparations for Sukma Johor but we are not alone in this aspect.
“The Sarawak contingent is back in training since June 17 but we have adhered to the strict SOPs (standard operating procedures) as requested by the Ministry of Health and the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee,” said Karim.
At the last edition of the games, Sarawak finished fourth overall with a medal tally of 42 gold, 36 silver, and 60 bronze. Terengganu won the overall title with 56 gold, 53 silver, and 60 bronze.
Karim called on team officials and coaches to stay positive while training under the new normal environment apart from closely and constantly monitor the health and safety of all athletes.
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