Sukma Sarawak 2024: 726 athletes gear up for football, badminton, volleyball showdown in Sibu

Sibu's sports icons and former athletes leading the Sukma and Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 Baton Relay at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang,on May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

SIBU, May 18: A total of 726 athletes are preparing to compete across three sports at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma XXI) Sarawak 2024 in Sibu Division this August, where football, badminton, and volleyball competitions will be held.

According to news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang stated that these events will take place in three venues, including Tun Zaidi Stadium, Azman Hashim Sibu Jaya Community Sports Centre, Sibu Indoor Stadium, and the Volleyball Hall of Rejang Park Sibu.

“I want to invite all Sarawakians to celebrate this big event by rallying behind our local athletes regardless of their competition location,” he called on when officiating the Sukma and Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 Baton Relay at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, here, earlier today.

Tiang (centre) along with other distinguished guests raise up the Sukma and Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 torch at the completion of the Baton Relay at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sibu on May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

The continuation of the Sukma and Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 Baton Relay at Sibu Division involved a total of 500 participants.

The relay commenced with the official flag-off by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, alongside Deputy Secretary (Operation) and chief executive officer of the Sukma Sarawak 2024 secretariat Datu Hii Chang Kee.

The run received added zest from the presence of Sibu sports icons and former athletes, including Jessica Lau Kiu Ee, Wong Liong Khiong, Lim Hoon Eng, Gilbert Cassedy Gawing, Mohamad Zamry, Thoo Sue Lan, and Vinton Javed.

Participants in bright yellow shirts enliven the atmosphere of Sukma and Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 Baton Relay at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sibu on May 18, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

Expressing confidence in the success of Sukma Sarawak 2024, Tiang emphasised the need for collective support from all quarters to ensure a triumphant event and fostering a positive impact on the nation’s sports landscape.

“We hope to see remarkable achievements from Sarawakian athletes in winning as many gold medals and setting championship records that will further solidify Sarawak’s repuration as a sporting powerhouse in Malaysia,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sukma and Para Sukma Sarawak 2024 Baton Relay is set to continue in Kapit Division tomorrow (May 19). — DayakDaily