Sarawak Strives to Reclaim its Title on Home Turf at Para Sukma 2024
H1: Para Sukma 2024: Sarawak Eyes 30 Gold Medals in Para-Athletics
KUCHING, Sept 3: With the Para Malaysian Games (Para Sukma) 2024 just around the corner, Sarawak is determined to make a strong comeback by securing at least 30 gold medals in para-athletics, aiming to reclaim its champion status from rival Sabah.
H2: Sarawak Targets 83 Gold Medals Overall
Sarawak’s ambitious goal of 83 gold medals across all events marks a determined effort to regain its long-held title, which was narrowly lost to Sabah in 2022. Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak (KPWK), Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, emphasized the critical role para-athletics will play in achieving this target.
“Para-athletics plays an important role throughout the biennial event because it has the largest number of events. Therefore, we must get as many medals from para-athletics as possible,” Fatimah stated during her visit to the para-athletes’ training session at Sarawak Stadium.
H3: Sarawak’s Road to Para Sukma Glory
The upcoming Para Sukma 2024, scheduled from September 22 to 28 in Kuching, will bring together 1,290 athletes from 15 contingents across Malaysia. The contingent from Sarawak is the largest, with 213 athletes, followed by Sabah with 146 and Johor with 112.
The Games will feature a total of 328 events across ten sports categories, including para-athletics (134 events), para-swimming (60), para-powerlifting (24), para-chess (23), and para-tenpin bowling (22). Para-athletics alone holds the most events, making it a focal point for Sarawak’s gold medal aspirations.
H4: Venues for Para Sukma 2024
The events will be held at multiple venues across Kuching, with the para-athletics competitions scheduled at the Sarawak Stadium (new building) and Sarawak State Stadium (old building). Other venues include:
- Para-Tenpin Bowling: Megalanes Emart Batu Kawa
- Para-Archery: Archery Range Petra Jaya
- Para-Chess: Raia Hotel Kuching
- Boccia: Dewan Persatuan Bola Keranjang Sarawak Kuching
- Para-Swimming: Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre
- Para-Badminton: Dewan Persatuan Badminton Sarawak at BDC
- Para-Lawn Bowls: Petra Jaya Multipurpose Arena
- Para-Ping Pong: SJK Chung Hua No. 3
- Para-Powerlifting: Multipurpose Hall at Sarawak Youth and Sports Department
These well-prepared venues are expected to provide athletes with the best environment to perform at their peak.
H3: Sarawak’s Glorious History in Para Sukma
Sarawak boasts a remarkable history in Para Sukma, having won the championship 13 consecutive times from 1994 to 2018. The state’s rich legacy in para sports is a testament to its commitment to developing and supporting athletes with disabilities. However, the 2022 Games saw Sarawak narrowly miss out on the championship, finishing second with 50 gold medals, just behind Sabah’s 54.
H4: Building Momentum for Para Sukma 2024
During her visit to the para-athletes’ training session, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah expressed confidence in the athletes’ preparations and determination. She emphasized that beyond the medals, the Games are about showcasing the abilities and resilience of Sarawak’s para-athletes.
“Our para-athletes are not just competing; they are demonstrating their spirit, resilience, and the unbreakable determination of Sarawak. Para Sukma is more than a competition; it is a celebration of their achievements and our collective efforts as a state,” she added.
H2: Support for Sarawak’s Para-Athletes
The Sarawak state government has been proactive in providing support and resources to its para-athletes. From upgraded facilities to dedicated coaching staff, every effort is being made to ensure the athletes are in the best condition to compete. The state’s strategy not only focuses on medal wins but also on long-term development for its para-athletes.
H3: Looking Ahead to Para Sukma 2024
With just a few weeks to go, Sarawak’s para-athletes are entering the final stages of their preparation. The countdown to Para Sukma 2024 is not just about numbers; it is about restoring pride and making history once again on home soil. As the host state, Sarawak aims to deliver a performance that will resonate far beyond the medals tally, setting new benchmarks in Malaysian para-athletics.