“The target is not merely a number but a measure of the effort, discipline and preparations undertaken by the athletes throughout their training, and I am confident that it can be achieved. 

“I believe every para athlete is an individual with an extraordinary fighting spirit who can restore the state contingent’s reputation with an outstanding performance,” he told reporters after the flag handover ceremony to the Chef de Mission and Team Managers for the 2026 Para SUKMA Games here today. 

Also present were State Youth and Sports Development Action Committee chairman Datuk Mustapha Nagoor and Negeri Sembilan Sports Council director Marhizah Abdul Razak. 

At the 2024 Para SUKMA Games in Sarawak, Negeri Sembilan’s para athletes won 14 gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze medals. 

“I am confident that our Para SUKMA athletes are prepared in every aspect, and we believe the target of 12 gold medals is realistic and achievable,” he said, adding that incentives would also be given to those who win medals at the Games. 

The Negeri Sembilan SUKMA contingent won seven gold medals out of 48 medals won at SUKMA 2026, compared with 19 gold medals out of 56 medals won at the same Games two years ago. 

-- BERNAMA