KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah contingent has set a target of 40 gold medals for the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) scheduled to take place this August, according to the Minister of Youth Development, Sports Progress, and Creative Economy of Sabah, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
He stated that preparations for the event have been underway since the beginning of the year, with a primary focus on training, fitness, and team management coordination.
He said that this target was established after receiving a briefing from the management of the Sabah SUKMA team, led by the Director of the Sabah State Sports Council.
“We have been preparing since the start of this year, and I am confident that our performance this time will surpass that of previous SUKMA events.
“Our goal is 40 gold medals, compared to our highest achievement of 33 gold medals during the event in Ipoh, Perak,” he said.
Nizam noted that this target is not new; it has long been set by the Sabah contingent but has yet to be achieved.
He emphasised that his ministry is now demanding a higher level of commitment from all parties, including the Sabah State Sports Council, sports associations, and athletes, to ensure that this target can be realized.
“I hope all shortlisted athletes will continue to train diligently and ensure their stamina and fitness levels are at their best.
“Discipline as an athlete must always be maintained, and hopefully, with their dedication and commitment, this target will be achieved,” he said.
