(Kuching, 10th) Due to not earning enough state-level entries, Artistic Swimming (formerly known as Synchronized Swimming) will not be included as a competition event in the 2026 Selangor Sukma Games.
According to the New Straits Times, Selangor State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Executive Councillor Mohd Najwan Halimi stated that because fewer than six states registered for participation, the decision was finalized at a recent Sukma Supreme Committee meeting.
With the removal of the five medal events in Artistic Swimming, the total number of competition events at the 2026 Sukma Games has dropped from 474 to 469, although a total of 37 sports will still be featured.
Mohd Najwan, after attending the Sukma and Para Sukma torch relay event at the Shah Alam Independence Square, said that preparations for the event will continue as planned, including the use of 52 competition venues spread across nine districts in Selangor.
He also revealed that, under the order of the Sultan of Selangor, the state government has decided to host the event in a more moderate and prudent manner, and has therefore halved the Sukma Games budget.
As such, the estimated hosting expenses for the Sukma Games have been reduced from the originally anticipated RM100 million to between RM40 million and RM50 million.
Mohd Najwan added that the opening and closing ceremonies, originally scheduled to be held at Sepang International Circuit, will instead be shifted to another yet-unannounced venue and held in a simpler manner.
In addition, the originally planned 30,000 volunteers have been significantly reduced to between 3,000 and 5,000.
The 2026 Sukma Games are scheduled to take place from August 15th to 24th, while the Para Sukma Games will be held from September 5th to 10th.
According to the New Straits Times, Selangor State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Executive Councillor Mohd Najwan Halimi stated that because fewer than six states registered for participation, the decision was finalized at a recent Sukma Supreme Committee meeting.
With the removal of the five medal events in Artistic Swimming, the total number of competition events at the 2026 Sukma Games has dropped from 474 to 469, although a total of 37 sports will still be featured.
He also revealed that, under the order of the Sultan of Selangor, the state government has decided to host the event in a more moderate and prudent manner, and has therefore halved the Sukma Games budget.
As such, the estimated hosting expenses for the Sukma Games have been reduced from the originally anticipated RM100 million to between RM40 million and RM50 million.
Mohd Najwan added that the opening and closing ceremonies, originally scheduled to be held at Sepang International Circuit, will instead be shifted to another yet-unannounced venue and held in a simpler manner.
In addition, the originally planned 30,000 volunteers have been significantly reduced to between 3,000 and 5,000.
The 2026 Sukma Games are scheduled to take place from August 15th to 24th, while the Para Sukma Games will be held from September 5th to 10th.