Malaysia to create new national games to bridge post-Sukma gap, Tour de Langkawi review proposed

Malaysia plans to create a new national-level multi-sport competition to fill a gap that many athletes face once they finish at the Malaysia Games (Sukma). The decision came at the Cabinet Committee on Sports Development (JKPS) meeting on Wednesday, 4 November, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The meeting also approved a national talent plan and proposed a review of Le Tour de Langkawi.

A new games after Sukma

Sukma is built around athletes under 21. Coaches and associations have long said that many promising competitors have few domestic multi-sport events left once they pass that age, at the point where they are trying to reach national squads. In a statement after the meeting, the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) said the government had agreed on the need for a national-level games competition to bridge this development gap.

KBS has not yet given a name, format, age rules, host, budget or date for the new event. Reports of the statement differed on the age group. Malay Mail, carrying a Bernama report, described it as a games for athletes over 21, while another outlet referred to under-21 athletes. The ministry's stated aim is to provide competition after Sukma, so full eligibility rules should be confirmed when details are announced.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Deputy Minister Mordi Bimol and KBS secretary-general Datuk Rahimi Ismail were among those at the meeting.

National Sports Talent Plan approved

The committee also agreed to implement the National Sports Talent Plan (MyTP). KBS said the plan is meant to give athletes a more structured, integrated and continuous pathway from talent identification to elite level. The meeting noted progress on a talent development programme for eight non-core sports and received a report on a programme run through uniformed bodies to widen participation.

According to reports of the statement, the committee also considered a proposal to name 20 core sports to guide planning, talent scouting, facilities, coaching and funding. It also raised a review of prize money and rewards, including possible extra incentives for athletes who succeed at international championships. No decisions on these two items were announced.

Le Tour de Langkawi under review

Cycling fans will watch the proposal to set up a special committee, involving the Deputy Prime Minister, to reassess the direction and organising model of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL). Reports said the review would cover governance, financing, organisational effectiveness, strategic partners and the race's economic and tourism impact.

The proposal comes only a month after the 2026 edition finished in early October. Malay Mail reported then that the UCI commissaires' panel had praised the race's organisation and safety, and that organisers hoped to keep the UCI's top "all green" grading.

Schools, universities and safety

The JKPS also discussed how combat sports should be classified in schools. It listed pupils' age and physical development, coaching qualifications, competition rules and injury risk management as priorities. For athletics and swimming, the committee looked at closer coordination with the Higher Education Ministry so that talented athletes can move from school to university to national level without losing access to training.

KBS said it will coordinate follow-up action to keep the sports system "inclusive, safe, competitive and sustainable". The committee stressed joint work across ministries, agencies, schools and sports bodies.

Key takeaways

• The Cabinet Committee on Sports Development met on 4 November, chaired by DPM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
• The government agreed on the need for a national games to bridge the gap after Sukma.
• The National Sports Talent Plan (MyTP) was approved for implementation.
• A special committee has been proposed to review Le Tour de Langkawi's direction and organising model.
• Format, dates and eligibility for the new games have not been announced.

FAQ

What is the new national games? It is a planned national-level multi-sport competition meant to give athletes a platform after the Malaysia Games (Sukma). KBS has not yet released its name, format, schedule or eligibility rules.

What is MyTP? MyTP is the National Sports Talent Plan, which the committee agreed to implement. KBS says it will create a more structured and continuous pathway for developing athletes.

Is Le Tour de Langkawi being cancelled? No. The committee proposed setting up a special committee to review the race's direction and organising model, including governance and funding. No change to the race has been announced.

Sources: Malay Mail, Bernama, Life News Agency