Kuala lumpur: The Selangor government’s proposal to include silambam, a traditional martial art, as a contested event in the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) reflects its commitment to addressing public concerns and promoting inclusivity, said Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in a statement today, Sampunathan commended Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi, and all state executive council members for their leadership. He believes this decision will bring long-term benefits to the sport and the community.

He emphasized that the decision is rooted in genuine sportsmanship and high sporting values, countering claims of division or racial sentiment. Sampunathan also expressed gratitude towards Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo for their support in resolving the matter.

On August 5, the SUKMA Supreme Committee, chaired by Yeoh, announced 34 compulsory sports and four newly approved additions-chess, e-sports, cricket, and kabaddi-while excluding silambam, which led to criticism. In response, the Selangor government proposed silambam, along with petanque and Muay Thai, as additional events for the biennial games.