Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai has been appointed as the “Team Patron” of the Penang women’s state basketball team for the Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) XXII 2026, in support of the team’s preparations for the upcoming Games.
The appointment was made by the Penang State Sports Council (Majlis Sukan Negeri Pulau Pinang).
“I will work closely with the Penang State Sports Council, the Penang Basketball Association and all relevant parties to further strengthen moral support, logistical assistance and resource coordination for our athletes, so that they can focus on their training, strive for continuous improvement and raise their standards as they prepare for the Games.”
“The preparations for SUKMA 2026 will be held in Selangor from Aug 15 to 24, the Penang women’s state basketball team is currently training at least three days a week, with emphasis on physical conditioning, tactical coordination and on-court chemistry, in order to face the challenges of the national sporting arena in the best possible form.
“With my funding support, the Penang Basketball Association will also arrange for the Penang women’s state basketball team to travel to Cirebon, Indonesia in July to participate in the “Chenghoo International Basketball Tournament 2026”, where they will compete against strong international teams from countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
“Participating in this international tournament is not only a valuable overseas exposure opportunity, but also an important platform for the Penang women’s state basketball team to sharpen themselves through competitive match play. By facing teams with different playing styles and tempos, our players will be able to broaden their horizons, accumulate experience and strengthen their ability to handle pressure. At the same time, it will allow the team to further test its lineup, refine offensive and defensive tactics, and deepen team chemistry, thereby ensuring more solid and comprehensive preparations ahead of SUKMA.” said Wong in a press statement.
Wong said that apart from serving as the “Team Patron” of the Penang women’s SUKMA basketball team, he will also continue to support grassroots basketball development in his capacity as the State Assemblyman for Paya Terubong. One example is the 2026 PREMIER Cup Penang Basketball Championship (Penang Island Zone), which is being held at the Farlim Basketball Court. The tournament will reach its final this coming Monday, and I welcome members of the public to come with their families to enjoy the excitement and passion of basketball.”
Wong added that as the Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, promoting sports tourism is also part of his portfolio, and it is therefore important to actively participate in and support the development of various sporting events in Penang.
“For instance, I currently serve as the organising committee chairman of both the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) and the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR). These two events are among Penang’s key sports tourism brands, eagerly anticipated by both local and international athletes as well as visitors. Sporting events not only help cultivate a stronger sporting culture among the people, but also attract athletes, supporters and tourists from within Malaysia and abroad to Penang, thereby further stimulating the local economy and tourism ecosystem,” he said.
Wong concluded by noting that the Penang State Sports Council has set a target of winning 60 gold medals at this year’s SUKMA.
“I hope the Penang women’s state basketball team will live up to expectations, strive courageously and give their all on the court. May they play with confidence, spirit and excellence, contributing to the Penang contingent’s medal target and bringing glory to Penang,” he said.