40-gold target

Kota Kinabalu: It is a 40-gold medal target for Sabah contingent at the 19th Sukma Games in Perak from September 14-22.The target was initially set by the Youth and Sports Ministry after the Kuching Games in 2016 where Sabah won 25 gold, 37 silver and 37 bronze medals to finish in seventh place.

Youth and Sports Minister Frankie Poon made the official announcement after the official flag handing ceremony officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal at the Likas Lawn Bowls Green on Monday.

"There will be no change in the 40-gold medal target. We have monitored the athletes' preparation and each of the associations have done their very best with the input from ISN as well.

"I wouldn't want to say much whether we can achieve the target as time will tell but you will be surprised with our boys and girls," he said.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

Meanwhile, Shafie in his speech called on the athletes to adopt the right "mindset" and have the right attitude when representing the State in the biennial games.

"I am not going to discuss on the winning incentives to be given to them but I believe the athletes with the right desire will be able to deliver in this Sukma Games.

"I also want to remind the athletes today they must learn how to be successful not just for the incentives on offer.

They must have the initiative and the right mentality to bring glory to the State and country which is very important.

"Sabah has always been able to produce exceptional athletes for the country over the years, especially in the seventies through karate, football, taekwondo and athletics.

"Some of them even made it to the Olympics and these people like Datuk James Wong and Datuk Hassan achieved their feat through pure passion for the sport and there was no incentives given then," he reminded them.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

A total of 422 athletes will represent the State in this year's meet and the 23 events that they will be taking part are aquatic (diving/swimming), badminton, cycling, football/futsal, lawn bowls, gymnastics, hockey, karate, archery, athletics, pencak silat, sailing, squash, bowling, weightlifting, golf, judo, muaythai, petanque, rugby, sepak takraw, taekwondo and boxing.

Also present at the ceremony were Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Arunarsin Taib, who is also the chef-de-mission, Sabah Sports Board Chairman Datuk Louis Rampas and other top officials. - GL Oh

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00