Kuala lumpur: The 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) serves as a platform in the search to unearth boxing talent as part of long-term preparation efforts for international meets, including the Olympics.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Boxing Federation (MBF) president Datuk Mohamad Iruan Zulkefli stated that they are developing a long-term plan to identify and train young boxers capable of excelling in prestigious championships, such as the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympics. He emphasized that SUKMA 2026 is important due to its focus on new talent, particularly those aged 17 to 18. Successful participants in SUKMA could be groomed for six years to reach the highest level by the age of 24.

Mohamad Iruan mentioned that he discussed this initiative with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh during a recent meeting in Putrajaya. SUKMA 2026 is scheduled to take place in nine districts in Selangor from August 15-24, 2026.

He further explained that the MBF has submitted a proposal for an additional budget next year to upgrade state training centres. Currently, there are 13 state training centres, one in each state. The additional budget aims to improve these centres with new equipment, including better rings.

In another development, Mohamad Iruan revealed that the national boxing team plans to send six boxers to the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand at the end of the year. Three will compete under Category A and the other three under Category B, with the selection process ongoing. Category A athletes will have their competition costs fully covered by the National Sports Council (NSC), whereas Category B athletes might need to be self-funded or sponsored, with possible cost reimbursement if they win a medal.