By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Nov 10 — The state government is reviewing stadium options as potential venues for the opening ceremony of the 22nd Malaysian Games (Sukma) in 2026, including Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.
State executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said several locations need to be considered for the biennial games, since the Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“On paper, (KSSA) will not be ready in time, as it is projected to be fully completed by the end of 2026, and we cannot afford to wait until it is finished.
“People generally think of a stadium for such events, but it is not a major concern because we have many stadiums. We are not ruling out the possibility of using Stadium Merdeka.
“Although Stadium Merdeka is located in Kuala Lumpur, it was in Selangor during its construction, so it holds sentimental value for Selangor,” he said.
Najwan was speaking to the press after officiating the Selangor Madani Youth Tour in the Petaling district at the Selangor Youth and Sports Complex in Section 7 yesterday.
The event was also attended by Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei and Selangor Sports Council executive director Mohamad Nizam Marjugi.
The councillor further expressed his intention to utilise all districts in Selangor as venues for Sukma events.
“In fact, we are open to the possibility of holding the Sukma opening ceremony at a venue other than a stadium, taking inspiration from the Paris Olympic Games in August.
“The opening ceremony does not necessarily have to be held in a stadium. During the Paris Olympics, for example, it took place on a river, with athletes paraded on boats.
“It depends on the creativity of the organisers. We will look at what suits our state,” he said.
On 18 July, Sukma’s Supreme Committee decided that Selangor would host Sukma 2026. The last time Selangor hosted the event was in 1998.
