Hari Sukan Negara 2026: National Sports Day launches at Bukit Jalil on Saturday with 5.3 million target
National Sports Day 2026 runs from 9 to 11 October. The national launch is at Bukit Jalil on Saturday, events are held in every state, and KBS hopes 5.3 million people take part.
Malaysia's National Sports Day (Hari Sukan Negara) runs this weekend, from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October 2026. The national launch is on Saturday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is aiming for more than 5.3 million participants nationwide, and wants the event to get people exercising regularly, not just once a year.
On Thursday 8 October, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari told RTM that Bukit Jalil was picked partly because it is easy for the public to reach. It also has symbolic value, as Malaysia prepares to host the 2027 SEA Games.
Saturday's programme
The national event and the Kuala Lumpur celebration share one venue, the forecourt of TM Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil. Activities start at 7.30am on Saturday 10 October. The main event is the Larian Ria MADANI fun run. There is also a Berjalan Ria MADANI walk, a Malaysia Aktif segment, a sports industry exhibition, and activities run by the ministry's Rakan Muda youth programme.
When KBS announced the programme in July, it said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was expected to officiate the national launch.
This year's theme is digital technology and artificial intelligence. KBS says the idea is to link digital innovation with an active lifestyle.
Events in every state
Most states hold their own events on Saturday morning, usually starting between 7am and 8am. Venues include:
- Selangor: Dataran Kemerdekaan, Shah Alam
- Johor: TMIYC, Iskandar Puteri
- Penang: Jalan Betek Sports and Recreation Complex, Bukit Mertajam
- Perak, Pahang, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan: the state youth and sports complexes in Ipoh, Kuantan, Ayer Keroh and Paroi
- Sabah: Padang Istiadat, Tuaran
- Kelantan: AEON Mall Kota Bharu
- Kedah: Taman Rekreasi Bandar Perdana, Sungai Petani
Labuan, Perlis and Terengganu also have events. Sarawak holds its celebration a week later, from 16 to 18 October, with the main event in Betong on 17 October. Organisers say details may change. The full schedule is on the official Hari Sukan Negara portal and the National Youth and Sports Department's social media.
Who it is for
The programme is designed for all ages. It has categories for senior citizens (60 and above), veterans (40 to 60), young people aged 13 to 29, women of all ages, and children.
The event is run by the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) with the state youth and sports departments. It is part of the National Sports Vision 2030 and the Madani government framework. Its stated aims include raising awareness of fitness, promoting unity across communities, growing the sports industry, and recognising people who promote sport for all.
More than one weekend
Dr Taufiq has described National Sports Day as part of the effort to prevent non-communicable diseases. When the 2026 edition was announced, he said "prevention is better than cure."
Speaking on Thursday, he said the aim is a healthier, more active generation that keeps exercising long after the weekend. KBS also hopes the activities will help find new sporting talent.
The event comes a week after Malaysia's Asian Games team won nine gold medals in Aichi-Nagoya, equalling the country's best total.
Key takeaways
- National Sports Day 2026 runs from 9 to 11 October, and the national launch is at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, on Saturday 10 October from 7.30am.
- KBS is aiming for more than 5.3 million participants across Malaysia.
- Every state except Sarawak holds events on Saturday; Sarawak celebrates from 16 to 18 October, with the main event in Betong.
- This year's theme is digital technology and artificial intelligence.
FAQ
When and where is the main National Sports Day 2026 event? On Saturday 10 October at the forecourt of TM Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil, starting at 7.30am.
Who can take part in Hari Sukan Negara? Everyone. There are categories for children, young people aged 13 to 29, women, veterans aged 40 to 60, and senior citizens aged 60 and above.
Where can I find my state's National Sports Day event? State events and venues are listed on the official Hari Sukan Negara portal, harisukannegara.my, and on the National Youth and Sports Department's social media.
Sources: RTM, Bernama, eCentral