The traditional martial art silambam will be included in next year’s Selangor Malaysia Games (Sukma) as an optional sport, along with petanque and muaythai, following a review by the supreme committee.
The decision was reached during a special meeting on Thursday, attended by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.
The proposal was submitted by Selangor State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship executive councillor Najwan Halimi, who also serves as the organising committee’s chairman.
With this decision, the Selangor Sukma will comprise 30 compulsory sports and seven optional ones, and the committee has confirmed that no additional proposals or appeals will be entertained.
Silambam’s initial exclusion had raised concerns among various members of the community, but the review ultimately led to its inclusion.
Hannah added that her ministry is also considering the introduction of “Non-Sukma Games” to accommodate sports that are not part of the current programme. She said a new framework for hosting Sukma after the 2028 Kelantan edition is being considered to ensure the sustained growth of sports and athletes, while avoiding excessive financial strain on the government.
The Selangor Sukma is scheduled to be held across nine districts from August 15 to 24, 2026. The inclusion of silambam in the 2026 Selangor Sukma reflects a commitment to preserving traditional sports while broadening the Games’ diversity. With 30 compulsory and seven optional events confirmed, alongside initiatives such as the proposed “Non-Sukma Games” and a new hosting model beyond 2028, organisers are working to ensure the event’s sustainability. Scheduled across nine districts from August 15 to 24, 2026, the Selangor Sukma is set to highlight both athletic talent and cultural heritage.
Source: NST
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