KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The government has agreed on the need to organise a national-level games competition as a platform to bridge the athlete development gap after the Malaysia Games (Sukma), which focuses on athletes aged under 21.

The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) said in a statement that this was agreed upon during the sixth Sports Development Cabinet Committee (JKPS) meeting for 2026, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today.

KBS said the meeting aimed to strengthen the direction of national sports by prioritising talent development, athlete performance continuity, and comprehensive policy coordination.

“The meeting also agreed on the implementation of the National Sports Talent Plan (MyTP) to establish a more structured, integrated, and continuous talent development pathway.

“In addition, the meeting took note of the status of the Talent Development Programme for Eight Non-Core Sports Disciplines and the implementation report on the Uniformed Bodies Programme, as part of efforts to widen participation and talent development opportunities,” it said.

Meanwhile, on motorsports, the meeting discussed the implementation and potential collaboration to host Formula 1 Qatar at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), which remains at the planning stage.

The development of esports athletes with potential at the competitive level was also addressed, with the committee stressing that talent development support, training, and tournament participation opportunities must be enhanced so that national esports players can progress in a structured and competitive manner.

A proposal was also tabled to establish a special committee alongside the Deputy Prime Minister to examine and reassess the direction and delivery model of the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) cycling race.

“To ensure student participation in combat sports, the meeting discussed the need to classify combat sports disciplines in schools. Priority will be placed on students’ age and physical development, coaching qualifications, competition rules, and injury risk management,” KBS said.

The coordination of athletics and swimming development within the Higher Education Ministry (KPT) ecosystem was also discussed, focusing on talent continuity from schools to higher education institutions and onto the national level, including access to training.

JKPS emphasised the importance of integrated action across ministries, agencies, educational institutions, and sports bodies to translate policies into tangible athlete development opportunities.

“KBS will coordinate follow-up action to ensure the national sports ecosystem remains inclusive, safe, competitive, and sustainable,” the ministry added. — Bernama