PENANG’S swimming team is capable of delivering at least four gold medals at the upcoming 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor, says Penang contingent chef de mission Joseph Ng Soon Siang.
Ng said swimming remains one of the state’s key medal contributors due to the large number of events contested, including individual and relay races across various distances and disciplines.
“We are targeting at least four gold medals from swimming this year.
“In the past, we won six gold medals, while in the last Sukma in Sarawak, we only managed one gold. We hope to improve significantly this time around,” he told Buletin Mutiara after visiting the Penang swimming team at Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre yesterday (Aug 4).
Ng, who has visited 10 sports so far, described the overall preparations by Penang athletes as encouraging as the contingent gears up for the Games in Selangor.
He said swimming was among the final sports on his visitation list, with fencing and judo still to be visited.
Ng noted that Penang’s overall target of 60 gold medals is the highest among all participating states and believes the contingent is capable of achieving the ambitious goal.
“Sixty gold medals is a very challenging target, but it was set to inspire our athletes to perform at their best. If we can achieve or even surpass the target, Penang will be among the top-performing states,” he said.
Ng also praised the state government’s incentive scheme for Sukma athletes, describing it as one of the most attractive offered by any state.
“The incentives announced by the Chief Minister are very impressive and will certainly motivate our athletes to give their best for Penang,” he said.
As vice-president of the Penang Amateur Swimming Association (PASA), Ng said he was particularly encouraged by the depth of talent within the swimming squad.
He pointed out that many of the swimmers are still in their early to mid-teens, giving them the potential to compete in another two or three editions of Sukma.
“Even if the results are not exactly what we hope for this year, the future is very bright because many of these swimmers are only 14 or 15 years old and have several more Sukma appearances ahead of them,” he said.
Ng also highlighted the presence of national swimmer Eugine Tong in the Penang squad, describing him as a role model for younger athletes.
He said Eugine had brought pride to Penang after winning a bronze medal and setting a national record of 22.48 seconds in the men’s 50m freestyle at the SEA Games held in Bangkok last year.
“At the same time, we are seeing more promising young swimmers coming through the ranks, which shows the potential we have in Penang,” he added.
Ng said his visit to the swimming team aimed at boosting morale and showing support to the athletes as they enter the final phase of preparations before the Games begin later this month.
Earlier, Ng also visited the diving team at the Relau Sports Complex.
Ng expressed hope that the diving contingent can win at least a bronze medal for Penang, adding that the team faces several challenges, including limitations in terms of facilities.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi