Kota Kinabalu: The Youth and Sports Ministry urged the State para athletes to train harder to reclaim the overall title in the Para Sukma to be held in Selangor next year.
Sabah, who won the championship for the first time in 2022, failed to defend their title in 2024 and only finished as runners-up to host Sarawak.
Youth and Sports Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mansur Asun said the call is based on the results at the 2025 National Circuit Carnival last week, where Sabah clinched the overall title with 53 golds, 24 silvers and 26 bronzes closely followed by Sarawak with 52 golds, 40 silvers and 36 bronzes and Selangor with 52 golds, 39 silvers and 37 bronzes.
“The overall results at the week-long carnival gave an important signal to us that Sabah’s challenge at Para Sukma next year will definitely be very tough, especially with the competition from host Selangor,” he said in his closing speech at the Rise-Up The Champion (RTC) Sabah Para State Athletes Programme which concluded at Ranau Sports Complex on Sunday.
A total of 112 athletes took part in the six-day programme aimed to identify best talents available and develop them into champions.
“I want the athletes participating in this programme and also all the others throughout the State to continue to train hard because there is not much time left before the Games begin in early September 2026.
“There is still room for all the athletes to improve their skills and performance. They must always follow the instructions set by their respective coaches.
“This Ministry through the Sabah Sports Council’s sports science unit will also be assisting them in terms of gymnasium training, nutrition and psychology, while the State Health Department through Queen Elizabeth Hospital is working closely with us to ensure that our State athletes are always in a healthy and safe condition,” he added.
He also said the Ministry is serious in the development of para athletes in the State and called on parents with physically challenged children to allow their kids to participate in their development programme.
“I would like to call on all the parents not only in Ranau district, but also throughout the State not to be shy about bringing their children to participate in the Para Athlete Development programme.”
He added that Para Sukma which is open to athletes aged 45 and below will provide a career opportunity to their children in the future.
“In addition to the fixed training Allowance and EPF contributions, our Ministry also offers the same winning incentive prizes as those given to normal or ‘able’ athletes.
“So, grab this opportunity and make this a lucrative career as the monetary incentives received may enable them to start a business that can guarantee their future.”
