KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor is confident Sabah can achieve its target of 40 gold medals at the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, citing the thorough preparations made by the athletes, coaches and team management, while urging the entire contingent to give their all in defending the State’s honour and reputation on the national sporting stage.
He said the target was not merely a number but reflected the State Government’s confidence in the athletes’ preparations, the expertise of the coaches, the efficiency of the team management and the sports development system that has been implemented consistently.
“I want every athlete to believe that this target is achievable. We have the talent, experience and determination required. What is important is that we compete with courage, focus and the resolve to give our very best,” he said.
He said this at the Sabah State Contingent Flag Presentation Ceremony for the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) Selangor 2026 and Para SUKMA Selangor 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Tuesday.
Hajiji said Sabah’s performance at SUKMA Sarawak 2024, where the contingent won 29 gold, 36 silver and 55 bronze medals, provided a solid foundation to improve on that achievement at this year’s Games.
For Para SUKMA Selangor 2026, he said Sabah is targeting 66 gold medals and is determined to reclaim the overall championship title.
The Sabah SUKMA contingent comprises 943 members, including 744 athletes, 148 coaches and 51 team managers, and will compete in 36 of the 37 sports contested.
“For Para SUKMA, Sabah is sending a contingent of 271 comprising 154 athletes, 80 coaches and officials, and 37 secretariat members. I hope that at least 80 per cent of our Para SUKMA athletes will return home with medals,” he said.
The Chief Minister called on all athletes to compete with full commitment and a high level of sportsmanship to bring glory to Sabah throughout the Games.
At the same time, he stressed that discipline must be every athlete’s greatest strength, saying talent without discipline would not enable an athlete to reach the highest level.
He also reminded the contingent that any issues should be addressed promptly, fairly and professionally to ensure the team’s focus remains unaffected, while urging athletes to maintain proper conduct and communication throughout their stay in Selangor.
He further advised athletes not to take any supplements without the advice of their coaches, medical officers or qualified specialists, warning that the use of prohibited substances could affect their eligibility to compete, invalidate competition results and jeopardise their sporting careers.
Apart from that, he also urged officials to prioritise the safety and welfare of the athletes by ensuring that travel, accommodation, medical treatment, rehabilitation and competition arrangements are properly managed, while continuing to foster a strong spirit of camaraderie within the contingent.
To recognise the sacrifices made by the athletes, coaches and their families during the preparation period, he said the State Government would maintain the enhanced victory incentives introduced at SUKMA Sarawak 2024, including the increase in the gold medal incentive from RM5,000 to RM10,000.
He also urged the entire Sabah contingent to head to Selangor united in purpose and determination, giving their best in pursuit of victory and proving that Sabah can stand alongside the country’s top sporting states. -pr/BNN
