Sukma: Negeri Sembilan is targeting 12 gold medals from its 80 athletes at the 2026 Para Malaysia Games (Para SUKMA) in Selangor, scheduled to begin on Sept 5. Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim emphasized the significance of this goal to address the state contingent's previous performance at SUKMA 2026, which concluded on Monday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Ismail Lasim remarked that each athlete must strive to showcase their true potential in securing medals and aiming for a top position among the participating teams. The target is seen not just as a numerical goal but as a reflection of the athletes' efforts, discipline, and preparation throughout their training. He expressed confidence in achieving this target and highlighted the exceptional fighting spirit of the para athletes, which could uplift the state's reputation through remarkable performances.

During the flag handover ceremony to the Chef de Mission and Team Managers for the 2026 Para SUKMA Games, Datuk Ismail Lasim reiterated his belief in the athletes' preparedness and the realism of their 12-gold-medal target. He also announced that incentives would be awarded to those who secure medals at the Games. Notable attendees included State Youth and Sports Development Action Committee chairman Datuk Mustapha Nagoor and Negeri Sembilan Sports Council director Marhizah Abdul Razak.

In the previous 2024 Para SUKMA Games in Sarawak, Negeri Sembilan's para athletes secured 14 gold, 19 silver, and 20 bronze medals. Comparatively, the Negeri Sembilan SUKMA contingent won seven gold medals out of a total of 48 medals at SUKMA 2026, a decrease from the 19 gold medals won out of 56 medals at the Games two years prior.