Terengganu aims for a top-three finish at SUKMA 2026 in Selangor with over 500 athletes, backed by a RM5 million state allocation for preparations
TERENGGANU has set a realistic target of finishing among the top three teams at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor this August.
Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT) director Ahmad Shahrizal Yahaya said the goal avoids excessive pressure on athletes, 60% of whom are new faces.
The contingent finished fifth at SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak with 41 gold, 36 silver and 47 bronze medals.
For the upcoming edition, Terengganu will field more than 500 athletes competing in 35 of the 37 events.
“We are in the final stage of determining the medal target for the contingent this time,” Ahmad Shahrizal said at the contingent’s appointment ceremony.
The ceremony was officiated by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
Deputy State Secretary (Development) Datuk Rosli Latif was appointed as the SUKMA 2026 chef de mission.
Ahmad Shahrizal said preparations are in the third phase, focusing on selecting the strongest athletes and increasing competition participation.
The strategy also includes conducting closed-door training with other teams.
“With an allocation of RM5 million from the state government for SUKMA preparations, we hope the team’s journey will run more smoothly,” he added.
At the same event, incentives totalling RM239,300 were presented to 102 Terengganu athletes.
The rewards were for their performances at the 2025 SEA Games and the 2025 ASEAN Para Games.
Twenty athletes contributed seven gold, seven silver and 13 bronze medals at the SEA Games.
Terengganu athletes also won four gold, seven silver and three bronze medals at the ASEAN Para Games.
Medals came from sports like cycling, gymnastics, pencak silat, and para badminton.
“This achievement is better than that recorded at the same Games in Cambodia in 2023,” Ahmad Samsuri said.
He stated the incentives are a token of appreciation for the athletes’ efforts in bringing honour to the nation and state.
