KUCHING: Sarawak is on the best track to defend the title of overall champion at the 2026 Malaysian Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, but thorough preparation and high discipline remain the priority to face the competition which is expected to be tougher.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said, Sarawak’s status as the defending champion should not be used as a reason to feel overconfident, instead it is necessary to continue streamlining preparations to ensure that the Sarawak contingent performs at the best level.

"So far our preparations are going well. Even though we are the defending champions, we don't consider ourselves perfect therefore we need to prepare thoroughly.

"If asked what my hopes are, of course I want Sarawak to repeat the success of defending the championship," he said.

He said this in the Borneo Raft Safari 2026 press conference at the Baitulmakmur Building here, on Tuesday.

He added that the confidence was based on the commitment of the Sarawak Sports Corporation, Head of the Sarawak SUKMA Contingent Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu as well as all sports associations that are active in streamlining the athletes' preparations.

He explained that some of Sarawak's athletes are currently undergoing training abroad as the final phase of preparation before competing in the Games next month.

However, he admitted that the mission of defending the championship is not an easy one considering host state Selangor is among the most successful contingents in the history of SUKMA's organisation.

In the meantime, Dato Sri Abdul Karim reminded Sarawak athletes to make elevating the standing of their state the motivating force instead of merely chasing financial rewards.

"We don't want athletes to just run, swim and compete while thinking about money. We want them to win for Sarawak and feel the pride of being champions because that will shape their character," he said.

He emphasised that the success achieved as a result of efforts, discipline and fighting spirit not only made Sarawak proud, but also shaped the identity and character of the athletes as representatives of the state.

In a related development, he said the launch of the official mascot of the SEA Games which took place in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday went smoothly, with the mascot and official identity of the Games being promoted in Sarawak as one of the co-hosts of the upcoming SEA Games. -UKASnews