SABAH Youth and Sports Ministry (KBSS) has been tasked to scout for more new talents in sports so there will be a continuous pool of athletes to represent Sabah in future.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said this can be done by holding various programmes or sports competitions to find new talents throughout Sabah.
“The Sabah Government is committed to developing sports in the state because many of our young athletes have competed at the international level and have made the country famous.
“This includes national sailor Rufina Tan, national golfer Ben Leong and the latest two national swimmers Janetty John Fabian and Loo Yie Bing.
“We also have athletes who won gold medals at the SEA Games in Hanoi recently namely Andre Anura Anuar in the triple jump event; Jellson Jabilin (aquatic diving), Fatin Nur Fatehah Mat Salleh (archery) and Natahsya Soon (cycling).
“Therefore, I urge KBSS to scout for more new talents in sports so that there is continuity and backing. I am sure we have many young people talented in either athletics, badminton, swimming or cycling that can be highlighted,” he said at a ceremony held to celebrate the achievements of Sabah athletes at the 31st SEA Games, Hanoi 2021, at the banquet hall, Menara Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, on June 16.
Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin, Sabah Government Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy and KBSS Permanent Secretary Mansur Asun were also present.
The Chief Minister said in the Sabah 2022 Budget, the Sabah Government has allocated a total of RM52.02 million for the development of sports including sports infrastructure and facilities in Sabah this year.
“The sports development programme is not only aimed at producing healthy and fit people but also towards making a name for Sabah at the international stage, besides producing more young athletes in Sabah,” said Hajiji.
He also congratulated all the athletes for being the best national heroes or the best out of a total 32 million Malaysians to represent the country at the prestigious Southeast Asian sporting event.
“We are very proud of your achievements because you have brought success to Sabah and the country. What makes us even proud is that our athletes have helped bring home four gold, four silver and 11 bronze medals.
“This proves that you have become the best athletes out of about 681 million people in Southeast Asia… well done!
“Therefore, I hope today’s event will inspire all Sabah athletes to achieve more success in the future,” he said, adding that most of the 42 athletes from Sabah are still eligible to represent the region in the upcoming Malaysia Games to be hosted by Kuala Lumpur next September.
During the event, the Chief Minister also presented the winning incentives amounting to RM71,450 to 23 medal winners, including in the team event representing the national contingent in the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi recently.
