Federal Territories contingent sets 180-medal goal for Sukma 2026 in Selangor, with hopes of a top-three finish.
THE Federal Territories contingent is targeting a total haul of 180 medals, regardless of colour, at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
She said the target was set based on the contingent’s planning and performance assessment, as well as the strength of the Federal Territories’ athletes.
“I am confident we can challenge for a place among the top three based on the calculations and planning that have been made,” she told reporters after the Federal Territories Contingent Flag Handover Ceremony for SUKMA Selangor 2026 and Para SUKMA Selangor 2026 here today.
Hannah said the Federal Territories had an advantage in terms of sports facilities and infrastructure, in addition to having Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as well as former national and international champions.
“The sports infrastructure in the Federal Territories is also better than in several other states, and that is an advantage. However, I do not want the athletes to become too comfortable. I want them to carry that fighting spirit when they compete,” she said.
Hannah said the Federal Territories Sports Council (MSWP) was developing a dashboard to map sports facilities in the Federal Territories to enable more systematic athlete development planning.
Meanwhile, she said her ministry would ensure that no women’s sporting events would be dropped from the Federal Territories’ participation due to budget constraints from next year onwards.
She said more careful budget planning would ensure continued priority for both male and female athletes, while strengthening the welfare of women athletes.
“Beginning next year, I do not want any women’s events to be dropped because of insufficient budget. We will ensure that every contingent sending women athletes is accompanied by either a woman Chef de Mission or Deputy Chef de Mission,” she said.
At today’s ceremony, Hannah presented the Federal Territories flag to SUKMA Selangor 2026 Chef de Mission Datuk Parang Abai @ Thomas and Para SUKMA Chef de Mission Nik Ahmad Zahiruddin Nik Saleh.
National netball player Siti Nur Hidayatul Akhma Suhaimi was selected as the Federal Territories contingent’s flag bearer, while national para swimmer in the S14 category Duran Yaspi Iman Basori was given the honour of carrying the flag for the Para SUKMA contingent.
SUKMA Selangor 2026 will be held from Aug 15 to 24, while the Para SUKMA event is scheduled to take place from Sept 5 to 10.
