PENANG State Sports Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua delivered an inspiring speech to motivate athletes and coaches during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration hosted at the Caring Society Complex yesterday.
Setting an ambitious target of 60 gold medals at Sukma 2026 in Selangor, Chai reminded Team Penang that the journey ahead will not be easy. At the last Sukma in Sarawak, Penang surpassed its gold target of 40, securing 41.
“Bagging 60 gold medals is not a dream or a wish — it is a target, a commitment and a statement,” Chai said, urging athletes to embrace sacrifices such as early mornings, late nights, discipline, and perseverance through pain.
“Moments of doubt may creep in, but let me remind you — greatness never comes from comfort zones. You are the heartbeat of this mission. Every drop of sweat in training, every second you push beyond your limits, brings Penang closer to glory. When you step onto that field, court, track, or arena, you carry not just your name — you carry the pride of an entire state.”
Describing coaches as the architects of champions, he added, “Behind every gold medal is your unseen dedication. Champions are not defined by talent alone — they are defined by discipline, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit. Let’s make history.”
Chai also acknowledged the role of administrators and stakeholders, whose planning, investment, and unwavering support create an environment where excellence can thrive. He believes the 60-gold target is achievable through collective effort.
While Team Penang will go to Selangor not just to compete but to win, Chai called on Penangites to stand behind the team and support it throughout the journey. Sukma 2026 will be held from August 15 to 24.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the state government remains committed to supporting all sports associations through incentives based on management and administrative performance.
Besides celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the event also featured the presentation of incentives under the Sports Management & Administration Assistance Scheme (SBPP) 2025, the awarding of Exemplary Coach Certificates 2025, and the first Council Members’ Meeting of the Penang State Sports Council for 2026.
Gooi, who presented the incentives and certificates, said the SBPP, introduced in 2021, is aimed at strengthening state sports associations to operate systematically, professionally, and competitively.
A total of 52 coaches from 37 sports received certificates. “We are recognising coaches who have demonstrated outstanding performance, dedication, and commitment in training state athletes. The role of coaches is crucial — achievements in the arena depend not only on athletes’ talents but also on the guidance, discipline, and strategies instilled by their coaches. We hope this recognition motivates all coaches to continue producing high-quality athletes,” he said.
Gooi added that sports associations were evaluated by a panel of assessors led by Malaysian Sports Commissioner Arrifin Mohd Ghani, with incentives of RM20,000 for ‘A’ Category, RM10,000 for ‘B’ Category, and RM5,000 for ‘C’ Category associations.
The recipients include:
Category A – athletics, chess, rowing, table tennis, hockey, silambam, basketball, cricket, muaythai, wushu-lion and dragon dance.
Category B – gymnastics, swimming, tenpin bowling, badminton, cycling, netball, silat, woodball, boxing.
Category C – football, pickleball, squash, stacking, Masters’ athletics, taekwondo, kabaddi, sepak takraw, e-sports, archery, softball, volleyball, weight-lifting, bodybuilding, floorball.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
