PENANG has stepped up its preparations for the 2026 Sukma in Selangor, with fewer than 300 days remaining before the national sporting event takes place next year.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi (PH-Padang Lalang), answering on behalf of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said every day counts as the state pushes toward its target of 60 gold medals.
Gooi noted that detailed planning, focused training and a scientific approach are being applied across all sports.
“We are using this short window to ensure every athlete trains with purpose and is monitored closely,” he said during the State Legislative Session.
Regular discussions with state sports associations and coaches, facilitated through the High Performance Committee (JKPT), are enabling a more precise evaluation of the athletes’ progress.
“These meetings allow us to gauge readiness and decide who will eventually make the Sukma contingent,” he pointed out.
Gooi stressed that injury prevention remains a top priority.
“Even a small injury can derail months of preparation, so we are focusing on load monitoring, proper warm-up routines and physiotherapy support to prevent injuries,” he said.
He highlighted that the Penang State Sports Council is integrating sports science into all training modules. Athletes now have access to nutritionists, performance psychologists, physiologists and biomechanical analysis, ensuring a holistic approach to training and performance.
“Recovery is just as important as training,” he said. “Rest, sleep, and balanced nutrition are all integral parts of the strategy.”
He further emphasised the critical role of coaches, stressing that they must collaborate closely with sports science and medical officers to align training decisions with the athletes’ overall well-being and progress.
In an exciting development, Gooi announced that the Penang State Sports Council, in collaboration with Global Edge Consultancy and Global Edger Pharma, will host Malaysia’s first Mental Fitness Sports Conference on Nov 21 and 22.
Story by Edmund Lee