KUALA LUMPUR: Traditional martial art silambam has been included in next year’s Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma), joining petanque and muaythai as optional sports following a review by the supreme committee.
The decision came after a special meeting on Thursday attended by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
The proposal was put forward by Selangor State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship executive councillor Najwan Halimi, who also chairs the organising committee.
The Selangor Sukma will now feature 30 compulsory and seven optional sports, with the committee confirming that no further proposals or appeals will be considered.
Silambam’s initial omission had drawn concern from several quarters of the community before the review led to its inclusion.
Hannah said her ministry is also exploring “Non-Sukma Games” for sports not on the programme.
“Additionally, a new model for organising Sukma after the 2028 Kelantan edition is being studied to ensure the continuous development of sports and athletes without placing a heavy financial burden on the government,” she said.
The Selangor Sukma will take place across nine districts from August 15-24, 2026.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
