Modest but lively opening for 16th Malaysia Games

The Malaysia Games 2013 (Sukma) was officiated in a modest, but lively event coloured by fireworks display at the Bukit Jalil Mini Stadium, here tonight.

The game was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Also present the deputy prime minister's wife, Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, and Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

The 16th edition of Sukma, to be held until July 7, offers 132 gold and silver medals and 206 bronze for 22 events. A total of 3,602 athletes, from 14 contingents, are taking part in the event.

The opening ceremony also included a silent march by 108 members of the Royal Malaysia Navy and a dance performance by 150 school students.

Meanwhile, Khairy, in his speech, said the annual sport event was a platform for the government to produce world-class athletes.

"I hope this edition will become a platform for athletes to show their prowess," he added.

Khairy also urged all state governments to give serious attention on development programmes for athletes, as well as for coach development, training facilities and competitions, as well as sports science support services.

He said the state governments' initiatives in providing the allocation for the implementation of such programmes, including obtaining foreign coaches and sending athletes abroad for training, would complement the federal government's efforts to produce more world-class athletes.