Terengganu: The Terengganu government channeled incentives of RM1.08 million to athletes of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Para Sukma in Sarawak last year. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said the incentives involved 414 Sukma athletes and 57 Para Sukma athletes who worked hard to bring glory to the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the incentives included rewards of RM3,000 for gold medal winners, RM2,000 for silver medalists, and RM1,000 for bronze medalists. The largest incentive was awarded to Sukma cycling athletes who collectively contributed five gold, three silver, and four bronze medals, receiving a total of RM112,000. This year marked the first time that equal incentives were given to both Sukma and Para Sukma athletes to acknowledge their efforts and achievements.

The announcement was made at the Appreciation Ceremony of the Terengganu State Contingent of the 21st Sarawak 2024 Sukma and Para Sukma, where Terengganu Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisation Development Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim and Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT) director Shahrizal Yahaya were also present.

At the 2024 Sukma Games, Terengganu achieved a commendable ranking, securing fifth place behind Sarawak, Federal Territories, Selangor, and Penang, with a haul of 41 gold, 36 silver, and 47 bronze medals. In the Para Sukma, Terengganu ranked ninth, collecting 10 gold, 19 silver, and 15 bronze medals.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Samsuri urged the athletes to enhance their performance to improve the state’s standing in future competitions. He noted that this year’s overall performance was the lowest since the 2008 Sukma Games, emphasizing the importance of striving for improvement.