SHAH ALAM, Sept 10 2026 — Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has expressed hope that athletes from the 2026 Malaysia Para Games (Para SUKMA) will progress to higher levels and eventually become world champions.
He said this was Selangor’s objective as host, by limiting participation to the under-40 age category to keep the national para sports ecosystem dynamic and nurture competitive new talent for the international stage.
“Even if an athlete is not from Selangor, the state is still proud because that talent was nurtured at Para SUKMA 2026,” he said when officiating the closing ceremony at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC) tonight.
Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari and Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
Amirudin said the participation of 1,352 para athletes from across the country, competing in 10 sports, carried deep significance for Selangor as host.
He noted that despite prudent spending on the Games, the state government ensured all contingents took home a special experience.
He also paid tribute to the athletes’ spirit, saying they persevered even when haze hit at the start of the competition.
“Winning and losing are part of competition. Having last hosted the Games 28 years ago in 1998, I see that the level of competition has evolved significantly,” he said, while encouraging non-winning athletes to keep striving, adding that their sacrifices are deeply appreciated.
Earlier, Selangor created history by emerging as overall champions for the first time since Para SUKMA was introduced in 1982.
The host state topped the medal tally with 93 gold, 55 silver and 52 bronze medals, surpassing its initial target of 60 golds.
Sabah finished as runners-up, while Sarawak came in third.
About The Author
