Kota Kinabalu: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin called on the four State athletes representing the country to do their best at the 21st Asian Under-20 Athletics Championship 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from April 23-26.
Dexter Beddie, Hanssen Yap Soon Fu, Pengiran Aidil Auf Hajam and Muhammad Khalil Helmi are among the 12-member national team taking part in the four-day competition.
He was informed of the news by Sabah Athletics Association president Mohamat Hassan who paid him a courtesy call together with Dexter, Hanssen and Khalil on Monday.
“We hope all these four athletes will have a successful outing to make the people of Sabah proud,” he said .
He also said the ministry will provide financial assistance through the annual grant that has been allocated to the association.
Hanssen and Dexter who finished first and second at the Sabah Games (Saga) 100m last year will compete in the boys 100m and the 4x100m relays.
Pengiran Aidil will also be taking part in the boys 4 x 100m relays and the 200m while Saga 400m champion Khalil will only be taking part in the boys 400m.
Mohamat said all four are physically and mentally ready for the competition and they are expected to leave for Kuala Lumpur on April 21 to join their national teammates.
Meanwhille, Hassen said he will do his best at the meet and Dexter was delighted with the call-up and hopes to bring back a medal while Khalil said it is a dream come true for him to take part in the competition and hopes to record a personal best time.
Also present at the meeting were Youth and Sports Ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Mansur Asun, Sabah Sports Council director Mohd Asneh Mohd Noor and the parents.
