SRI AMAN: Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, is optimistic that Sarawakian athletes possess the capability and thorough preparation required to defend their overall championship at the XXII Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor this coming August 2026.

He explained that the proverb describing Anak Sarawak — that if placed in the sea they become an island, and if placed on land they become a mountain — will prove that the people of this state are able to achieve success despite having to compete on an opponent's turf.

“We want SUKMA to be just like that (the proverb); we shall be the ones who become ‘champions’, even though SUKMA is in Selangor and not in Kuching or Sarawak, but come on, even in Selangor we will fight with all our might,” he stated.

He spoke as such during his speech at the Closing Ceremony of SUKSAR IV 2026 Betong-Sri Aman here, on Sunday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said that Sarawakians possess high levels of talent in sports, citing big names such as ‘Kilat Boy’, Sarawakian swimming athletes, and the recent rise of football today.

In this current edition, a final sprint by the Northern Zone in collecting medals allowed them to emerge as the overall champions of SUKSAR IV 2026, simultaneously denying the Southern Zone’s dream of defending the championship they held in the previous edition.

The Northern Zone managed to collect 108 medals in total, comprising 39 gold medals, 37 silver medals, and 32 bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Kenny Lim Zheng Xian from the Southern Zone cycling camp was named the Promising Sportsman after scooping four gold medals, whilst Nur Ain Ramadhania Abdullah from the Western Zone cycling camp emerged as the Promising Sportswoman after likewise clinching four gold medals.

Also present were Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Chairman of SUKSAR IV 2026, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Joint Deputy Chairmen of SUKSAR IV 2026, Mahra Salleh and Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, Acting Director of the Sarawak Sports Council, Khairul Nizam Morshidi, honourable members, and other distinguished guests. - UKASnews

Reporter: Jonnie Kiew
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Muhammad Rais Sanusi