Selangor Kicks Off 2026 Malaysia Games After 28-Year Wait

Selangor is once again the host of the prestigious Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII and Para SUKMA in 2026, returning to the state after a 28-year hiatus. The official opening ceremony was held at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam, with the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, gracing the event.

This year's opening ceremony broke tradition by moving from a stadium setting to the open public space of Dataran Kemerdekaan. This approach aimed to bring the event closer to the community and utilize existing urban infrastructure, fostering wider public engagement and promoting responsible hosting.

The festivities included a vibrant parade of 15 contingents, starting with Johor and concluding with the host state, Selangor, to the cheers of thousands of spectators. The SUKMA torch was carried by Selangor-born icon Marilyn Chua, a former national swimmer, accompanied by ex-national gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi and national swimmer Andrew Goh.

The ceremony was further enhanced by cultural dance performances and appearances by local artists, including Azlan & The Typewriters and Balan Kash, who performed the official SUKMA song "Rentak Kita Aksi Kita." Popular singers Jaclyn Victor and Nadeera Zaini, along with Caliph Buskers and Ayai Ilusi, also entertained the crowd, creating a lively atmosphere.

The 22nd edition of SUKMA will host over 5,000 athletes from 14 states and Brunei. They will compete in 469 events across 37 different sports, all vying to achieve success on the national stage and showcase the nation's top young talent in Selangor.