New hosting model for Sukma being considered to replace rotation system

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Games (Sukma) may soon see a standardised list of sports contested as a new hosting model is being considered to replace the current rotation system.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the change aims to ensure there is continuity in sports contested at the games to create a clear development pathway for athletes.

Currently, the host state can choose the sports that will be contested, which often favours those that offer them a medal advantage, resulting in several sports being dropped and added for each Sukma edition.

“After Kelantan hosts the 2028 edition, each state would have completed the cycle, and we have begun discussion on a new Sukma model where either Putrajaya or the National Sports Council (NSC) will take over as permanent hosts,” said Hannah during the Olympic House groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.

“This way, we can ensure fairness for all sports, and there are pathways for athlete development that are consistent.”

Her response came after questions were raised regarding the exclusion of traditional Indian martial arts of Silamban for the upcoming Sukma in Selangor next year.

Hannah acknowledged that it would be tough for a single host state to include all 103 sports gazetted under the Sports Development Act, but achieving balance would be the key moving forward.

The next Sukma 2026 is set to be hosted by Selangor from Aug 15-24 next year, and the state has announced that 34 sports will be contested at the biennial games.