SHAH ALAM, July 26 (Bernama) -- The Selangor state government has set equal incentive rates for its SUKMA and Para SUKMA 2026 athletes to recognise their efforts and sacrifices while boosting the contingent's morale in its bid for the overall championship.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the incentive for gold medallists in individual events of up to three athletes has been fixed at RM10,000, adding that he would increase it to RM15,000 if Selangor emerges overall champions.
"For events involving four to 10 athletes, each gold medallist will receive RM7,000, which will be increased to RM10,000 per person if Selangor wins the overall title," he told a press conference after the Selangor contingent flag handover ceremony for the SUKMA and Para SUKMA 2026 Games at Dewan Jubli Perak here today.
Amirudin said athletes competing in events involving more than 10 participants would receive RM5,000 each for a gold medal, rising to RM7,000 if Selangor clinches the overall championship.
"These incentive rates will apply equally to Para SUKMA athletes because we believe that when we invest well, the results and value will also improve," he said.
On preparations for the Games, Amirudin said Selangor expected to host about 13,000 athletes and officials from across the country throughout the competition.
He said all financial preparations had been carried out prudently, guided by the advice of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah in facing current economic challenges.
As part of the pre-Games programme, Amirudin said he would join the final torch run in Sepang on Aug 9 alongside volunteers tasked with ensuring the smooth organisation of the Games.
"I pray that all SUKMA and Para SUKMA athletes will display sportsmanship, teamwork and unity in bringing honour to Selangor," he said.
The 22nd SUKMA Games will see Selangor fielding a contingent of 1,029 comprising 838 athletes and 191 officials, with a target of 80 gold medals across 37 sports.
Meanwhile, the Para SUKMA contingent comprises 258 members, including 176 athletes and 82 escorts and officials, with a target of 60 gold medals.
Earlier, Amirudin handed the state flag to Selangor SUKMA chef de mission and Sri Serdang assemblyman Abbas Salimmi Che Adzmi@Azmi, followed by Selangor Para SUKMA chef de mission and Kampung Tunku assemblywoman Lim Yi Wei.
-- BERNAMA