Electronic sports, chess, cricket, and kabaddi will headline the 2026 Sukma event
In the horizon of 2026, the Sukma Games are set to undergo a significant transformation, as announced by Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh. With the addition of four approved sports and a renewed focus on inclusivity and female participation, Sukma 2026 promises to be a groundbreaking event.
A total of 34 sports will be contested in Sukma 2026, including e-sports, chess, cricket, kabaddi, boxing, and softball, which have been approved as new or mandatory sports. These additions bring the total mandatory sports count to 30. Additionally, there are proposals to include petanque, Muay Thai, and silambam, although their approval is still pending.
Regarding measures for inclusivity and female participation, Minister Yeoh emphasized the importance of a fair sports selection process without racial bias. She also highlighted improvements in Para Sukma management by shifting state participation responsibility to sports councils to better support para athletes. While specific policies focusing solely on female participation at Sukma 2026 are not detailed, the broader emphasis on inclusivity involves strategic, focused preparation for para athletes, the inclusion of new sports encouraging diversity, and a push to maintain balanced and fair representation across sports selections.
In an effort to encourage broad and inclusive athlete representation, Sukma 2026 will see the inclusion of traditionally male and female sports. However, no explicit quantitative targets or dedicated female participation programs were mentioned in the sources reviewed.
To further promote female participation, each state contingent has been asked to appoint a female contingent head or deputy head for Sukma 2026. Moreover, starting from 2026, each state contingent must set a 20% quota for female support officials on secretariat and medical duties.
Minister Yeoh also announced that Sukma will continue to develop sports for women due to the lack of female athletes and technical officials in Sukma 2024. She expressed optimism that Sukma 2026 will be a very inclusive games.
The games, scheduled for Aug 15-24, 2026 in Selangor, will have sufficient time to prepare, due to the final decision. The decision regarding the approved sports is final and no additional appeals will be entertained. The Brunei contingent has been officially approved to participate in Sukma 2026.
In conclusion, Sukma 2026 aims to ensure strategic, fair, and inclusive participation, including for female athletes and para athletes. Many will be eager to see how Sukma 2026 differs from previous editions, as indicated by Minister Hannah Yeoh.
Malaysia is set to expand the list of sports in Sukma 2026, with e-sports, chess, cricket, kabaddi, boxing, and softball being approved as new or mandatory sports. This inclusive approach to sports selection is part of the Malaysian government's efforts to promote greater female participation in sports, particularly in Sukma 2026.
