Sukma XVII Perlis 2014 LogoTerengganu’s new Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman sprang a pleasant surprise for the Perlis bound Sukma (Malaysia Games) athletes by topping up incentives for gold and silver medallists if the state wins the overall title.

“Winning the overall title at the 17th Sukma in Perlis will be the perfect present for former Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad who played a big role in developing sports in Terengganu,” said Ahmad Razif who was installed as the new Menteri Besar of the state recently.

Speaking at the flag handing over ceremony to the Terengganu contingent for the Sukma in Perlis from May 24-June 4, Ahmad Razif said the cash incentive for a gold medal will be increased from RM5,000 to RM6,000 and from RM3,000 to RM4,000 if Terengganu win the overall title.

However, the incentive for a bronze medal remains at RM2,000. Terengganu give out one of the highest incentives in the country to their athletes for winning medals at the Sukma.
Terengganu also give out “instant incentives” after each event – RM300 for a gold, RM200 (silver) and RM100 (bronze) – to their athletes.

The East Coast giants were overall champions in 2008 when the hosted the Games with a haul of 61 gold, 39 silver and 47 bronze medals. At the 2012 Sukma held in Pahang, Terengganu’s tally was 62-24-31 on their way to the overall title.

For the Perlis Sukma, Terengganu are targeting 53 gold, 45 silver and 51 bronze medals – which the state believes is good enough to take the overall title.

Except for diving, Terengganu will compete in all the other events in Perlis and are banking on cycling, athletics, hockey, weightlifting, taekwondo, golf, canoeing, sailing, pentaque and boxing.

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