Kuala Lumpur, 11 April 2025 — The Chief Editor of Ottrangknews, social activist, and former national walker school athletics representative, Dato’ G. Kumaar Aamaan, today raised a serious question to the Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Hannah Yeoh, regarding the participation status of two traditional Indian sports, Silambam and Kabaddi, in the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA) scheduled to take place in Selangor in 2026.
According to Dato’ G. Kumaar, while both sports were included as medal sports for the first time in SUKMA 21 in Sarawak, there are concerns that these sports may not be given the mandate to compete in SUKMA 2026.
“I would like to ask the Minister of Sports: will the Ministry continue the participation of Silambam and Kabaddi in SUKMA 2026, or will there be a disappointing decision to remove these traditional sports from the event?” Dato’ G. Kumaar stated in a media release today.
He emphasized that Silambam and Kabaddi are not only rooted in Indian culture but also offer an opportunity for Indian youth in the country to showcase their talents on a bigger platform, including the Asian Games. Therefore, the decision to remove these two sports from SUKMA 2026 would have a significant impact on the development of these traditional sports among the younger generation.
“In our efforts to ensure that these traditional sports are not lost over time, it is crucial for us to give sports like Silambam and Kabaddi the chance to grow in events like SUKMA. I hope the Minister of Sports will provide a clear explanation regarding the future of these two sports,” he added.
Dato’ G. Kumaar further stressed that the inclusion of Silambam and Kabaddi in SUKMA is not just a symbol of cultural heritage preservation but also a step towards strengthening the involvement of Indian youth in the country’s sports arena.
As of now, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has yet to provide an official statement on this matter.