IPOH: Perak are targeting around 50 gold medals at the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor.
This is a significant increase from the 35 gold medals won at the previous edition in Sarawak.
State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah said the target followed encouraging feedback from coaches and team managers.
He said the target emerged from a coordination meeting involving contingent officials, coaches and managers.
The figure remains unofficial pending a performance assessment scheduled later this month.
The initial target discussed was around 50 gold medals based on the projections of coaches.
Further evaluations will be conducted based on team performances and preparations before the official target is announced.
Khairudin said this after launching the youth festival in conjunction with the state-level national youth day on Saturday (June 6).
Perak athletes are currently undergoing intensive preparations, including training camps and exposure competitions.
Some teams are still competing abroad.
The state will field 826 athletes across 37 sports.
Perak will not compete in several events, including women's water polo and artistic swimming, due to the absence of qualified athletes.
Among the sports expected to contribute significantly to the medal haul are silambam, muay thai, athletics, shooting, archery, aquatics and e-sport.
Khairudin described combat sports as a major source of medals, noting that disciplines such as taekwondo, karate, silat, muay thai, silambam and kabaddi collectively offer nearly 40 gold medals.
Special focus has been given to these disciplines in state planning and preparations because of the large number of medals available.
However, he called for strict attention to officiating standards in subjective combat sports, warning that disputed judging decisions could affect morale.
Confidence in improving the medal tally is driven by early preparations that began in 2025 and strong support from the state government.
Perak finished seventh overall at the Sarawak Sukma and are aiming for at least a top five finish in Selangor.
If the contingent achieve 50 gold medals, a top three placing is also possible.
