SHAH ALAM, Sept 10 - The Selangor contingent is now leading the Para SUKMA gold medal tally with 92 golds, and is right on track to create the state’s best achievement in the said games.
State executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said the achievement gives an opportunity for Selangor to emerge as the overall champion for the first time since the Para SUKMA was introduced in 1982.
“This success will be more meaningful if Selangor is able to be crowned as the overall champion when hosting this year’s games.
“If we can be the overall champion when hosting, it will certainly be a very meaningful achievement for Selangor,” he said when met at a press conference at Dewan Raja Musa, today.
Najwan said the encouraging performance of this year’s contingent was also driven by changes in management when the training and management of athletes was taken over by the Selangor State Sports Council (MSNS).
He said that previously the management of the Selangor Para SUKMA contingent was carried out independently, but more systematic coordination by MSNS this year helped provide regular and structured training.
“The implementation of regular and more structured training proves that Selangor para athletes have great potential to be highlighted, while simultaneously contributing to the proud achievements at this year’s games.
“It is not only SUKMA athletes who need to be supported, but Para SUKMA athletes should also be given equal attention and opportunities,” he said.
The swimming event was the biggest contributor to Selangor’s gold medal tally with 34 medals, showcasing the state’s strong performance in the event at the SUKMA and Para SUKMA Games.
Najwan said the contingent’s achievements were also supported by the comprehensive commitment of the athletes, coaches, team managers, technical and medical officers as well as the support team, including the Contingent Leader and Deputy Contingent Leaders.
"The success of Selangor's Para sports development is also not limited to preparations for the Para SUKMA, but rather involves the collaboration of MSNS, sports associations, State Government agencies, local authorities (PBT), statutory bodies, State Government subsidiaries and strategic partners.
"The support of athletes' parents and families is also very important in ensuring that the development and performance of athletes can be continuously improved," he said.
Najwan said the achievements of Selangor athletes can also be seen at the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) level, proving that the development of state sports occurs in stages from the grassroots to the highest level.
He said that success in the Para SUKMA is not simply measured based on medal collection, but also takes into account the performance of individual athletes including achievements in breaking national records.
