Hajiji, together with invited guests, posing with the Sabah Sukma contingent during the Sabah Contingent Flag Handover Ceremony for the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma) Selangor 2026 and Para Sukma Selangor 2026 at SICC in Kota Kinabalu today.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor is confident Sabah can achieve its target of 40 gold medals at the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor, citing the thorough preparations made by the athletes, coaches and team management, while urging the entire contingent to compete with determination in defending the state’s pride and reputation on the national sporting stage.
He said the target was not merely a number, but reflected the State Government’s confidence in the athletes’ preparations, the expertise of the coaching team, the management of the contingent and the continuous development of Sabah’s sports ecosystem.
“I want every athlete to believe that this target is achievable. We have the talent, experience and fighting spirit needed. What matters is that we compete with courage, focus and determination to give our very best,” he said at the Sabah Contingent Flag Handover Ceremony for the 22nd Malaysia Games (Sukma) Selangor 2026 and Para Sukma Selangor 2026 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
Hajiji said Sabah’s performance at Sukma Sarawak 2024, where the contingent won 29 gold, 36 silver and 55 bronze medals, provided a strong foundation to improve its performance at this year’s Games.
For the Para Sukma Selangor 2026, he said Sabah is targeting 66 gold medals and is determined to reclaim the overall championship title.
According to him, the Sabah Sukma contingent comprises 943 members, consisting of 744 athletes, 148 coaches and 51 team managers, and will compete in 36 of the 37 sports contested.
“For the Para Sukma, Sabah will send a contingent of 271 members, comprising 154 athletes, 80 coaches and officials, as well as 37 secretariat personnel. I hope that at least 80 per cent of our Para Sukma athletes will return home with medals,” he said.
He therefore called on all athletes to give their utmost throughout the Games with a high level of sportsmanship in order to bring honour to Sabah.
At the same time, Hajiji stressed that discipline must be every athlete’s greatest strength, as talent without discipline would not take an athlete to the highest level.
He also reminded the contingent that any issues should be addressed promptly, fairly and professionally to ensure the team’s focus is not disrupted, while urging athletes to maintain good communication and exemplary conduct throughout their stay in Selangor.
He further advised athletes not to take any food supplements or performance-enhancing products without the advice of their coaches, medical officers or qualified professionals, as the use of prohibited substances could affect their eligibility to compete, invalidate competition results and jeopardise the careers they have worked hard to build.
In addition, the Chief Minister urged all officials to prioritise the safety and welfare of athletes by ensuring that travel arrangements, accommodation, medical treatment, rehabilitation and competition requirements are managed efficiently, while continuing to strengthen camaraderie within the contingent.
In recognition of the sacrifices made by athletes, coaches and their families throughout the preparation period, Hajiji said the State Government would maintain the enhanced victory incentive introduced during Sukma Sarawak 2024, including increasing the gold medal incentive from RM5,000 to RM10,000 as a mark of appreciation for Sabah athletes.
He also called on the entire Sabah contingent to head to Selangor united in purpose, with one spirit and one goal, to fight for every opportunity, pursue victory and prove that Sabah is capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the nation’s best sporting states.
