SHAH ALAM: Selangor are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in August next year.
The Selangor state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi is pleased with the progress of work for the Games, which is returning to Selangor after 25 years.
"We are looking forward to hosting the Games. We want to bring back the original objective of the Games by producing talents for the country," said Najwan, who is also the chairman of the Sukma executive committee.
"We want the Games to be a good experience for every state."
Najwan reported that readiness has reached about 40 per cent, with the main focus on upgrading existing facilities and venues.
Venues currently undergoing upgrades include the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam, the Subang Shooting Range, and the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium in Klang.
The total cost of hosting Sukma is estimated at RM200 million, involving 27 sports.
Najwan, who is also chairman of the Sukma executive committee, said five additional sports will be finalised after the supreme committee meeting, which will be chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh next month.
He said the selection will be made fairly, taking into account the capabilities of all states to field teams.
Those shortlisted are e-sports, boxing, chess, cricket, softball, kabaddi and silambam.
Najwan said pickleball and Chinese chess (xiangqi) are being considered as demonstration sports. - Bernama
