History of SUKMA
The Malaysian Games (SUKMA) is a sports event organised by the National Sports Council (MSN) of Malaysia in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), the National Sports Association, and the state government involved in the organisation of this biennial youth sports event.
Besides aiming to unearth new talents in sports, the selection of states as hosts aims to upgrade sports facilities in the states to help the overall development of sports in Malaysia.
SUKMA was started in 1986 with Kuala Lumpur as the first host. The event was held every two years by different states until 2010.
In 2010, it was decided to hold SUKMA annually from 2011, with MSN as the host every odd year to develop and democratise sports in Malaysia, particularly selected sports.
However, the annual SUKMA in odd years were stopped in 2015 due to a packed state sports agenda and high costs for the State Sports Council to pay SUKMA contingents every year.
The 20th edition saw MSN given the mandate to host SUKMA 2022 after Johor returned the right due to the post-COVID-19 impact.
On June 12, 2023, the SUKMA Supreme Committee decided the 21st edition of the SUKMA Games would be held in Sarawak from August 17 to 24 involving Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri.
