T'ganu only PN state with no female gymnasts at Sukma 2024

Terengganu is the only Perikatan Nasional-governed state that will not send female gymnasts to the Malaysian Games (Sukma) this year.

The move was taken after the state banned the participation of women, especially Muslims, in gymnastics due to clothing that does not comply with requirements in Islam.

Three other PN-led states - Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis - have male and female gymnasts competing.

Last year, Malaysiakini reported that several female gymnasts representing Terengganu expressed their disappointment following the move, but they were suggested to switch to wushu.

The last time Terengganu sent female gymnasts was in Sukma 2022 through Tok Exin, who has now left the sport.

Terengganu State Gymnastics Association president Abdul Razak Mat Amin confirmed that Terengganu will send male gymnasts to compete in Sukma, held in Sarawak from Aug 17 to 24.

“Only six male gymnasts will represent Terengganu according to the maximum number allowed for Sukma,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.

For Kedah, a total of 12 gymnasts - six male and six female - will participate in the biennial sports championship.

Kedah gymnastics team manager Mohammad Irwan Shafiee said the state is targeting at least one bronze medal.

“If we go by the record of the last Sukma, we have not won any medals. So, for this year, we hope to at least contribute one bronze medal from gymnastics,” he said when contacted.

The Kelantan contingent comprises eight athletes for the gymnastics events, including two women, according to team manager Ardy Zamani Abdullah.

Perlis Sports Council director Mohd Azraai Zain Tusimin confirmed the state’s contingent will include six male gymnasts and three female gymnasts.

Sukma Sarawak offers 14 gold medals for gymnastics, which includes eight categories for men’s events and six for women’s events.

Among the categories are floor gymnastics, parallel bars, vaulting, saddle truss, and single bars.

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