PETALING JAYA: Selangor signed off the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma) in style, emerging overall champions after 10 days of competition with a haul of 101 golds, 73 silvers and 71 bronzes.
And declared public holiday for recording the best achievement in 28 years, since they last hosted the Games in 1998.
Federal Territories finished runner-up with 51 gold, 54 silver and 52 bronze while Terengganu were third with 43-44-36.
The hosts’ triumph was made even sweeter when swimmer Eliza Tan was named the Games’ best female athlete.
The 19-year-old, who is based in the United States, enjoyed a sensational campaign, highlighted by breaking the national women’s 100m freestyle record twice in a single day.
Eliza became the country's first female swimmer to hold a sub-57 second time after winning the event in 56.78s.
In total, she bagged seven gold medals and six meet records - 50m and 200m freestyle; 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle; 4x100m medley and 4x100m mixed medley relay events.
"I'm so honoured and I least expected this award," said Eliza, who had the honour of receiving her award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the closing ceremony at Aneka Walk in Shah Alam.
"My goal when I came here was only to win my freestyle races for Selangor."
Shooter Cheah Zen Hong was named the best male athlete after winning nine gold medals and one silver medal.
The Pahang shooter also broke two Games records in the 10m air pistol and 25m sport pistol events.
Both athletes took home RM5,000 in cash along with trophies.
