Shah alam: Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has expressed hope that Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) 2026 athletes will progress to higher levels and eventually become world champions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amirudin stated that Selangor's objective as the host is to limit participation to the under-40 age category to maintain the national para sports ecosystem's dynamism and foster competitive new talent for the international stage. He emphasized the pride Selangor takes in nurturing talent at Para SUKMA 2026, even if the athletes are not originally from the state.

During the closing ceremony of the games at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC), Amirudin highlighted the participation of 1,352 para athletes nationwide in 10 sports, underscoring the event's significance for Selangor as the host. Despite prudent spending, the state government ensured all contingents had a special experience.

Amirudin admired the athletes' perseverance, especially amidst challenges like the haze at the start of the competition. He encouraged those who did not win to keep striving, acknowledging their sacrifices. Reflecting on the evolution of the competition since Selangor last hosted the Games 28 years ago, he emphasized that winning and losing are integral to the competitive spirit.

Earlier, Selangor made history by emerging as overall champions for the first time since Para SUKMA's inception in 1982. The state topped the medal tally with 93 gold, 55 silver, and 52 bronze medals, far exceeding their initial target of 60 golds. Sabah and Sarawak followed as runners-up and third place, respectively.