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Sarawak Rewards Medalists with RM2.256 Million in SUKMA Para Games Incentives
Sarawak’s Incentives Boost Sports Excellence | SUKMA Para Games Medalists Honored
KUCHING, SARAWAK: The Sarawak government has proudly announced RM2.256 million in cash incentives for its talented athletes who shone at the recent 21st Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA), reflecting its commitment to nurturing sports excellence and supporting local talent. The momentous occasion took place at the Imperial Hotel, where The Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg handed over the symbolic cheque to the athletes in a ceremony filled with pride and celebration.
In his speech, Abang Johari extended his sincere congratulations to the Sarawak team for their outstanding achievements, noting that Sarawak successfully claimed 82 gold medals, a result that not only reclaimed the Para SUKMA championship title but also brought immense pride to the state. “I congratulate Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, her team, the trainers, and all the athletes for their dedication and commitment,” he said.
A Strong Commitment to Sports Development
Abang Johari highlighted the Sarawak government’s unwavering commitment to fostering sports excellence by supporting athletes at every stage of their development. He emphasized that Sarawak has consistently invested in overseas training for its athletes, ensuring that they are well-prepared to showcase their talents on national and international stages.
“We have sent our athletes, both from SUKMA and Para SUKMA, overseas for training to ensure they are at the peak of their performance. As a government, we are prepared to provide any necessary support, whether it’s moral or financial, to encourage our athletes,” he affirmed, underscoring the state’s commitment to developing world-class athletes who make Sarawak proud.
This year, Sarawak allocated a total of RM4.09 million in incentives to recognize and reward its athletes for their exceptional performances. The total allocation included RM2.256 million for Para SUKMA athletes and RM1.834 million for SUKMA athletes, making it one of the largest incentive distributions in the state’s sporting history.
Recognition for Team and Individual Efforts
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The incentives also extend to athletes competing in team events, underscoring the Sarawak government’s recognition of the collective efforts that contribute to the state’s overall success. “This year, we offer substantial incentives to Para SUKMA athletes in recognition of our many victories across gold, silver, and bronze medals,” Abang Johari explained, acknowledging that the Para SUKMA athletes played a pivotal role in securing Sarawak’s champion status.
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate Paralympic champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who was awarded an additional RM500,000 for his remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Bonnie not only defended his gold medal but also set a new world record, bringing immense pride to Sarawak and Malaysia.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for 2026 SUKMA and Beyond
As Sarawak celebrates its triumph in the 2023 SUKMA and Para SUKMA Games, preparations are already underway for the 2026 SUKMA, set to be held in Selangor. Abang Johari expressed his hopes for Sarawak to continue excelling on the national stage and maintaining its reputation as a powerhouse in Malaysian sports. He also highlighted the importance of gearing up for the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, where Sarawak will play a co-hosting role, marking another significant milestone for the state’s sports sector.
“Our goal is to continue elevating Sarawak’s status in the sports arena, and with that, we hope to generate greater revenue to reinvest in the sports sector. This not only allows us to nurture our current talent but also to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes,” he said, adding that with the right resources, Sarawak’s athletes could continue to make the state proud at both national and international events.
He ended his speech with a motivating call to all SUKMA and Para SUKMA athletes, urging them to aim high for the upcoming 2026 SUKMA and to make Sarawak a beacon of athletic excellence in Malaysia. “Let’s continue to raise Sarawak’s flag high and make our presence known in Selangor in 2026,” he encouraged.
Sarawak’s Medal Haul at Para SUKMA
In this year’s Para SUKMA, Sarawak bagged an impressive tally of 82 gold, 53 silver, and 74 bronze medals. This achievement not only reflects the athletes’ hard work and perseverance but also demonstrates the effectiveness of Sarawak’s strategic investments in sports development. The state’s triumphant performance is a testament to the dedication of athletes, trainers, and support staff who work tirelessly to uphold Sarawak’s strong sporting tradition.
As the event concluded, the excitement was palpable, and Sarawak’s athletes stood as an inspiration to aspiring sports enthusiasts across the state. With these generous incentives, the Sarawak government hopes to propel its athletes to even greater achievements in the future, both in SUKMA and beyond.
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