The Sabah e-sports contingent has set its sights on winning two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze at the ongoing Malaysia Games, also known as SUKMA. According to Sabah E-sports Team Manager Mohd Sofihizar Usrah, the team is focusing on the Street Fighter 6, eFootball Mobile (Duo), and Women's E-Chess events to achieve their target. The Sabah team consists of 22 athletes, a team manager, eight coaches, a chaperone, and two kitmen, and they are competing in five categories: Men's and Women's Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB), Street Fighter 6, eFootball Mobile, and E-Chess.
The e-sports events, being held at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) Convention Centre, started on August 19 and will conclude on August 23. Mohd Sofihizar Usrah noted that the team's preparations began in mid-April, with a "long list" to "short list" selection phase, followed by a three-day, two-night training camp and continuous training sessions. However, he highlighted that the team's main challenge is the classification of e-sports under "Category B" in Sabah, which imposes significant constraints on management funding.
The budget constraints require covering nine days of accommodation and round-trip flight tickets, costing up to RM1,500 per person, for a large contingent. The competition at this year's Games is expected to be fierce, particularly from states that have invested heavily in developing the e-sports sector. As such, Mohd Sofihizar Usrah emphasized that the team's strength will depend not only on gameplay proficiency but also on mental resilience, emotional control, and mutual trust among teammates.
Almost all the athletes are active players with extensive experience competing in various tournaments both within and outside Sabah. Mohd Sofihizar Usrah also stressed the importance of the athletes' health and adequate rest, along with proper hydration, given the packed competition schedule. He reminded the athletes to remain focused and mentally resilient, noting that upsets could happen and even star players had previously failed to reach the finals.
The team manager expressed his hope that all Sabah e-sports fans will pray for their success in contributing medals for the state of Sabah. In addition to their medal targets, Mohd Sofihizar Usrah hopes that e-sports can be elevated to the "Category A" sports classification, allowing it to develop and grow more rapidly and enabling the nurturing of more high-potential athletes.
