Olympic sports get higher priority at Sukma

PETALING JAYA: The National Sports Council (NSC) will give priority to Olympic sports when it comes to deciding the events for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) from Aug 15-24.

“Sports which are in the Olympics and those with a minimum of six states competing will be the criteria considered when selecting events for the Sukma,” stated NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin following a committee meeting at the council’s headquarters yesterday.

The criteria were established after a special technical committee meeting with state contingents and heads of technical delegations on Thursday, where two events have also been dropped – the team rapid fire in shooting and artistic swimming.

“There was a lack of participation in both events and they are also not included in the list of events at the Olympics. Therefore, we have removed them,” said Jefri.

However, Jefri indicated that certain events have been retained despite not meeting the minimum participation requirement due to their inclusion in the Olympics.

“As previously agreed with the Supreme Council, Olympic events hold a higher priority, and we will include them even if six states have not yet confirmed their representatives,” added Jefri. A final decision on the selected sports will be made within the first week of August.

Jefri also mentioned that coaches and managers will be present at the Sukma to assess and identify potential talents for the home SEA Games and Asean Para Games.

“It is crucial for us to select our athletes early to ensure that we have representatives for all events at the home Games next year,” said Jefri.

“This is why Sukma will provide an excellent opportunity for the youth to prove themselves worthy of selection.”

Meanwhile, NSC will be organising a special tournament with Malaysia Aquatics to make up for the athletes whose events have been dropped at the Sukma.

“Through this competition, they will have a chance to compete and earn a chance to represent the nation in other events,” said Jefri.