The Sarawak Games (Suksar) will be held in January to scout talent and prepare state athletes for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) next year, according to State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Abdul Karim said Suksar would involve 13 sports, including weightlifting, cycling, basketball, volleyball, hockey, sepak takraw, and martial arts. 1,800 athletes from four zones across Sarawak would compete in the Suksar games in Sibu.

“Suksar will provide early exposure for Sukma 2024 potential medallists, explore sports associations for organizing competitions, and prepare technical officers for certain sports,” he stated during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly’s winding up of matters related to his ministry on Nov 28.

Abdul Karim also mentioned the RM144.6mil allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review for ongoing and new projects and upgrading of sports facilities in preparation for Sukma 2024.

This includes ongoing work on a wushu training and competition center, scheduled to be completed in June next year. He emphasized the importance of the wushu center, as there is currently no proper place for the purpose of training, and Sarawak has 30 wushu athletes who have competed at Sukma and international levels.

Abdul Karim also indicated that a cricket ground was being prepared for Sukma, with the first stage scheduled to be completed at the end of the year, and the second stage to include turfing, fencing, drainage, roadworks, and mechanical and electrical works.

In addition, he mentioned the completion of the Sarawak Sports Village early next year to accommodate 500 athletes.