KUCHING: Sarawak is preparing to defend its overall champion title at the 2026 Selangor Para Malaysia Games (SUKMA) XXII by starting with the search for new talents as early as February next year.

Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and Chef De Mission (CDM) for Sarawak Para SUKMA, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said this effort is important to ensure the state contingent remains competitive and is able to retain the championship for the 15th time.

"We will prepare athletes in advance by providing exposure and intensive training.

"The search for new talents is an important step to produce quality replacements who can face the challenges of the upcoming games," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Sarawak Para SUKMA XXI Contingent Appreciation Ceremony here on Friday.

Datuk Mohammad Razi added that at the games held last September, Sarawak recorded great success by winning 82 gold medals, 53 silver medals, and 74 bronze medals, making a total of 209 medals.

The success maintained Sarawak's status as the overall champion for the 14th time.

Datuk Mohammad Razi also stressed that this success was the result of close cooperation among athletes, coaches, officers and related agencies.

He said that the Para SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 Games was also recognized as the best Games so far, with meticulous planning by the state government.

He added that the organisation not only highlighted sports achievements but also the spirit of unity among athletes from all over the country.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the Social Welfare Department staff who will be retiring, as a sign of appreciation for their contributions to the development of the sports community in Sarawak.

With early planning and careful strategy, Sarawak is confident of maintaining its dominance in the Para SUKMA Selangor 2026, thus continuing the legacy of excellence in the national para sports arena.

Also present were the Sarawak Sicla Welfare Department Director, Semawi Mohamad, Director of the Sarawak Youth and Sports Department, Lamat Nyalau, and President of the State Disabled Sports and Recreation Association, Matthew Chin Hong Choi.-UKASnews