2013 Sukma to feature 5,000 athletes, officials - Zolkples

The 2013 SUKMA to be held in the Klang Valley from June 28 to July 7, is expected to feature about 5,000 athletes and officials.

National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong said 14 states had already confirmed their participation when the dateline for entries closed on April 30.

"We are happy that a number of new sports like Muay Thai, woodball and beach soccer have been introduced in the 16th edition of the SUKMA and the response received has been favourable.

"At least five contingents will be participating in the respective sports," he told reporters after launching the www.sukanmalaysia.nsc.gov.my website and 50-day countdown, here, today.

Zolkples said the NSC had started comprehensive preparations since last year to ensure the games was organised well.

He added that the cost for organising the SUKMA this year which would feature 20 sports, would not exceed RM9 million.

The sports contested are aquatics, (water polo, synchronized swimming), body building, soft ball, netball, basketball, football, volleyball(indoor and beach), equestrian, judo, kabaddi, cricket, gymnastics and fencing.

The 2013 SUKMA starts on June 25 and the official closing ceremony will take place on July 7.