SHAH ALAM: A laser projection and fireworks display illuminated the Games torch for the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII and Para SUKMA Selangor 2026, which were officially opened in a grand ceremony at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam last night.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the quest for victory by more than 5,000 athletes from 14 states, including Brunei Darussalam.

Carrying the theme ‘Rentak Kita Aksi Kita’, the biennial sporting event was officiated by His Royal Highness (HRH) Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, after the games were last hosted by the state 28 years ago.

Also present were federal ministers, Members of Parliament, State Legislative Assembly members, as well as dignitaries from all 15 participating state contingents.

Representing the Sarawak Government were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Tanjong Datu Assemblyman Azizul Annuar Pehin Sri Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Tellian Assemblyman Royston Valentine and Krian Assemblyman Friday Belik.

The ceremony began with the march-past of the Jalur Gemilang and state flags by 31 members of the Eighth Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (8 RAMD), following Selangor’s cultural opening performance.

This was followed by the parade of the 15 SUKMA and Para SUKMA contingents, with Johor leading the procession and host state Selangor bringing up the rear.

Sarawak, as the defending champions, entered the competition with a contingent of 983 members, including 763 athletes, aiming to achieve its target of 75 gold medals to retain the championship title.

Carrying the slogan ‘One Family, One Mission, Sarawak Champion’, the Sarawak contingent emerged as one of the main challengers in this year’s edition.

Leading the Sarawak contingent during the parade were Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, who is the SUKMA Chef de Mission (CDM), and Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Dr Mohammad Razi Sitam, who serves as the Para SUKMA CDM.

Meanwhile, Sarawak boxing athlete Khairul Hazami Sulam was given the honour of carrying the state flag, accompanied by hockey athlete Oleaya Octavia and Para Powerlifting athlete Bibiana Ahmad, who carried the contingent banner.

The raising of the SUKMA and Para SUKMA XXII flags was then performed by seven members of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), before the symbolic lighting of the Games torch.

SUKMA XXII, which will take place from August 15 to 24, will feature 37 sports with 474 events.

Meanwhile, Para SUKMA will be held from September 5 to 10, 2026, featuring 10 sports. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng