Selangor State Assembly Members Call for Inclusion of Silambam in SUKMA Games

SHAH ALAM, 8 August 2025 — Three Selangor State Assembly Members have jointly appealed to the State Government to recognise Silambam, a traditional martial art, as a competitive sport in the Malaysian Games (SUKMA).

In a joint statement, Rajiv Rishyakaran (Bukit Gasing), Preakas Sampunathan (Kota Kemuning), and Gunaraj George (Sentosa) urged the Menteri Besar of Selangor and the State Executive Council particularly Najwan Halimi to reconsider the current stance on the sport’s participation in SUKMA.

The lawmakers acknowledged the selection criteria set by the state and expressed their appreciation for Selangor’s assurance that no sport is excluded on the basis of discrimination.

However, they emphasised that Silambam holds deep cultural significance, especially within the Indian community in Selangor, and has a strong grassroots following.

“Including Silambam in SUKMA would not only honour Malaysia’s diverse cultural heritage but also inspire young athletes, promote unity, and showcase the rich sporting talents that exist across the state,” the statement read.

They stressed that providing a competitive platform for Silambam could be a key step toward inclusive sports development, aligning with Selangor’s values of excellence and diversity in athletics.

The trio called on the Selangor State Government to reconsider its current position and provide opportunities for Silambam practitioners to compete and represent the state at the national level.

“We believe Silambam’s inclusion will further strengthen the spirit of inclusion and sporting excellence that defines Selangor’s sports community,” the statement concluded.