SIBU: 726 athletes are gearing up to compete in three sports at the upcoming 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXI) Sarawak 2024, set to be held in the Sibu Division this August.
 
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government of Sarawak, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee stated that Sibu has been chosen as the venue for three sports, namely football, badminton, and volleyball.
 
"These events will be held at the Tun Zaidi Stadium, Azman Hashim Sibu Jaya Community Sports Center, Sibu Indoor Stadium, and the Volleyball Hall of Rejang Park Sibu, involving approximately 726 participants," he said while officiating the SUKMA and PARA SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 Baton Relay at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, here, on Saturday.
 
Datuk Michael Tiang added that as the host of SUKMA 2024, it is the state’s responsibility to provide a conducive environment.
 
Additionally, he is confident that with the support from all parties, SUKMA 2024 will be a successful sporting event that will leave a positive impact on the country's sports scene.
 
"We hope to see the outstanding success of Sarawak athletes in winning as many gold medals as possible and setting championship records that will undoubtedly enhance Sarawak's image as a sporting powerhouse in Malaysia.
 
"I want to invite everyone in Sarawak to join in celebrating this big event by giving our local athletes lots of support and encouragement, no matter where they are competing,” Datuk Michael Tiang said.
 
Earlier, Bukit Assek Assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek and Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Operation) who is also Chief Executive Officer of the SUKMA XXI Sarawak 2024 Secretariat, Datu Hii Chang Kee officiated the flag-off of the baton relay, involving 500 participants.
 
The relay was also enlivened with participation from famous sports icons and ex-athletes from Sibu, led by Jessica Lau Kiu Ee, along with others like Wong Liong Khiong, Lim Hoon Eng, Gilbert Cassedy Gawing, Mohamad Zamry, Thoo Sue Lan, and Vinton Javed. -UKASnews