Perak Targets 50 Gold Medals at Sukma Selangor 2026

Perak is setting an ambitious target of securing 50 gold medals at the upcoming 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor. This goal is derived from preliminary feedback gathered from team managers and coaches who have assessed the athletes' current potential and preparation levels.

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Based on their initial views and assessments, the proposed target is around 50 gold medals. However, that figure will be refined after we conduct a comprehensive assessment of the athletes' performance.

Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah, Chairman of the State Education, Higher Education, Youth, and Sports Committee, stated that the 50-gold target is an initial projection. He indicated that the final medal tally goal would be solidified after further performance assessments and management meetings scheduled in the near future. Khairudin met with managers, coaches, and contingent leaders to discuss Perak's readiness for the games, which are set to take place from August 15 to 24.

Perak plans to field a contingent of 826 athletes who will compete across 37 different events. The state's preparation for Sukma began last year, involving various athlete development programs, training camps, competition exposure, and continuous performance monitoring. Khairudin commended the commitment shown by the State Sports Council, sports associations, team managers, and coaches, noting the state government's initiative to appoint Perak Excos as 'godfathers' for specific sports to bolster athlete preparation.

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The commitment shown by the State Sports Council, sports associations, team managers, and coaches is very encouraging.

Combat sports are anticipated to be significant contributors to Perak's gold medal haul, owing to the numerous events available in disciplines such as silambam, muaythai, athletics, shooting, archery, and aquatics. Khairudin expressed confidence that achieving the 50-gold target would enable Perak to improve upon its seventh-place finish in the previous Sukma Sarawak and secure a spot within the top five, or even challenge for a top-three overall ranking.

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If the target of 50 gold medals can be realized, I believe Perak can improve on its seventh-place finish during Sukma Sarawak and at least be in the top five.

He also emphasized the importance of fair judging, particularly in combat sports and martial arts, urging organizers to ensure impartial officiating to prevent disputes and uphold the integrity of the games. Khairudin stressed that quality judging is crucial to avoid any controversies that could affect athlete morale and the event's image.

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The quality of judging is important to avoid any disputes that could affect the athletes' spirit and the image of the sports event.