The 2020 SUKMA Games in Johor would not be taking place in July as originally planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seng Foo Lee
Wed Mar 25 2020
The 2020 SUKMA Games in Johor would not be taking place in July as originally planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was confirmed by Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Minister of Youth and Sports, after chairing an emergency Malaysian Sports Supreme Council meeting with exco members, state representatives and relevant stakeholders on Tuesday.
"The Malaysian Sports Supreme Council unanimously agreed to postpone the SUKMA Johor 2020 to new dates to be determined.
"The decision was made in consideration of the most important aspects, which were the safety and health of athletes, coaches, officials and everyone involved with the event," read an official statement from Reezal Merican.
KENYATAAN MEDIA MENTERI BELIA DAN SUKAN. . Keputusan Mesyuarat Khas Jawatankuasa Tertinggi Sukan Malaysia Mengenai Penganjuran SUKMA Johor 2020. . 25 MAC 2020. .#TeamKBSpic.twitter.com/FWiCMLHK7D
Initially scheduled to take place from 11 to 19 July 2020, the 20th edition of the biannual national multi-sport meet would be held either at the end of the year or in 2021 instead.
In line with that, the Para SUKMA Johor 2020, scheduled to take place immediately after SUKMA XX, were also postponed.
The SUKMA Games, contested by young athletes from all Malaysian states and federal territories as well as Brunei, were last held in Perak in 2018.
