PENANG is targeting 60 gold medals at the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma), with overall preparations now about 80% complete.
Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai said the target was set based on the state’s performance in the previous edition.
“At Sukma 2024 in Sarawak, we surpassed our target of 40 gold medals by winning 41 golds, along with 45 silvers and 43 bronzes.
“During the Sports Victory Incentive Scheme (Skimas) presentation, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow challenged us to convert half of our silver medals into gold.
“That means we need an additional 20 golds, bringing our target to 60 for Sukma 2026,” he said in an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently.
Chai described the target as realistic, citing the contingent’s track record, experience and support from coaches and sports associations.
He said the state has adopted the theme “Eyes on Gold” and aims to finish at least sixth or seventh overall in standings.
“To achieve this, we have been holding regular discussions with sports associations and coaches since Sukma 2024 to monitor athletes’ development.
“So far, we have conducted five High Performance Committee meetings to assess performance and refine our strategy,” he said.
Chai added that MSNPP is placing greater emphasis on individual sports such as gymnastics, shooting, karate, taekwondo and muay thai.
“For team sports like football, futsal, basketball, volleyball, rugby and softball, we hope they can at least reach the quarter-finals and secure bronze medals.
“At the very least, they should not be eliminated early,” he said.
Sukma 2026, to be held in Selangor from Aug 15 to 24, will feature 37 sports, including 30 core sports and seven additional events such as chess, e-sports, cricket and kabaddi.
Chai said Penang plans full participation in all core sports, with a minimum target of one gold medal from each.
“If each sport can contribute two gold medals on paper, we can achieve our overall target of 60 golds,” he said.
He acknowledged challenges such as financial constraints and the lack of high-level competitions to gauge athletes’ performance.
“For certain sports, when there are no national-level tournaments, it becomes difficult to assess athletes.
“Even when competitions are organised, we sometimes struggle to attract quality participation, as other states may choose to hold back their athletes for Sukma,” he said.
Chai said associations that won two gold medals previously would receive RM50,000 in funding, while others would be given allocations based on set criteria.
He added that MSNPP continues to provide training facilities and support to athletes in the lead-up to the Games.
Despite the challenges, he said the continuation of Skimas by the state government has helped motivate athletes, coaches and associations.
Chai said Penang has already begun its countdown earlier than usual.
“Most contingents start their countdown 100 days before Sukma, but we began at 120 days.
“We will officially launch the countdown on April 12.
“At this point, we estimate our preparations are about 80% complete,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian