Kuala Lumpur: Johor is targeting a top-three placing in the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor, said Johor Youth, Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Hairi emphasized the need for early preparations by state sports associations, as directed by the state government, to set an example in athlete and sports hub development. He expressed optimism about Johor’s potential performance, stating, “I have set the target, which is the top three. but if we end up as overall champions, that will be a bonus,” during a press event at the Larkin state constituency ‘Ibadah Korban Perdana’ programme.

Johor’s preparations for the Selangor SUKMA, expected in August 2026, are underway. The state has previously claimed the overall title at SUKMA once, securing 77 gold medals in the 2022 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

Mohd Hairi also highlighted that Johor is set to host various international-class sports events, including the Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament. He reiterated Johor’s commitment to becoming a Sports Nation by 2030, aligning with the decree of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, during the recent State Assembly session.

“Tunku Mahkota Ismail decreed that Johor should be a Sports Nation by 2030, it is quite a huge task for me and my team to place Johor, and Malaysia in general, on the world stage,” Mohd Hairi stated, adding that Johor must excel in facilities, infrastructure, athlete development, and academics to attract investors.

The ‘Ibadah Korban Perdana’ programme saw the slaughter of 32 cows, donated by various parties, including His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The meat was distributed to over 500 residents of the Larkin state constituency, focusing on the asnaf group and those in need.