KUALA LUMPUR: Johor is ready and has no problem hosting the next Malaysia Games (Sukma) in 2024, said its chef de mission Datuk Mohd Najib Samuri (pic).
He said that based on the decision made in the previous Sukma supreme council meeting, which consisted of representatives from all 14 states, Johor had been selected to host the next edition, after the state was unable to host this year’s edition following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, the decision is not yet official until it is decided at the next meeting.
“In terms of infrastructure and all preparations, Johor has been ready since 2020,” he said yesterday.
He said that for now, the southern state contingent is more focused on achieving the title of overall champion for the first time and are currently leading the medal tally.
“We have never emerged as champions, so if we manage to do it for the first time, the aura may be different and I think we will be more enthusiastic to organise the next edition,” he explained.
The ongoing Games is organised by the National Sports Council (NSC), from Sept 16 to 24, in the Klang Valley.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said NSC through the Games’ supreme council will decide on the next host, including the possibility of it being held in Kuala Lumpur for the second time in a row.
He believes that no matter where it will be organised, the biennial games will certainly run as a continuous effort by the federal government to ensure that the development of sports, infrastructure and sports facilities in all states are at an international level.
“Of course, Johor is on the list, so there is a chance (for the state) to be the host and no one will decline hosting (this sporting event),” he said when met by reporters at the Sukma dinner.
“Thus far, only Kelantan has never hosted (Sukma) and God willing they will host the Games in 2026, the federal government is working to prepare the sports facilities such as a big stadium in Bukit Merbau and around Kota Baru,” he explained. — Bernama
