Terengganu has set a realistic target of finishing among the top three teams at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), scheduled to be held in Selangor this August.
Ahmad Shahrizal Yahaya, director of the Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT), said the goal is designed to avoid putting excessive pressure on the athletes, 60% of whom are new faces.
At the last SUKMA edition in 2024 in Sarawak, Terengganu finished fifth, bringing home 41 gold, 36 silver, and 47 bronze medals. For 2026, the state will field more than 500 athletes across 35 of the 37 events.
“We are in the final stage of determining the medal target for the contingent this time,” Ahmad Shahrizal said during the contingent’s appointment ceremony, which was officiated by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
Deputy State Secretary (Development), Datuk Rosli Latif, has been appointed as the chef de mission for SUKMA 2026.
Ahmad Shahrizal added that preparations are now in the third phase, focusing on selecting the strongest athletes and enhancing their competition experience. This strategy also includes closed-door training sessions 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.
During the ceremony, incentives totaling RM239,300 were awarded to 102 Terengganu athletes 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, while Terengganu athletes secured four gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals at the ASEAN Para Games. Medals came from sports including cycling, gymnastics, pencak silat, and para badminton.
“This achievement is an improvement over what was recorded at the same Games in Cambodia in 2023,” Ahmad Samsuri said. He added that the incentives serve as a token of appreciation for the athletes’ dedication and for bringing honour to the state and nation.
