Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor urged the State contingent competing in the 21st edition of the Malaysia Games (Sukma), Sarawak to do their best to achieve the target of 40 golds.
Sabah will be represented by 713 athletes in the games scheduled to start on August 13 until August 24.
At the previous games held in Kuala Lumpur two years ago, Sabah managed to grab 30 golds, 30 silvers and 38 bronzes to finish in sixth place among the 15 contingents, and the Chief Minister is confident the Sabah team will be able to achieve the target set this year.
Hajiji also promised attractive incentive awaits the Sukma Sarawak winners in his speech at the handing over of the State flag to the Sabah contingent at the Sabah International Convention Centre, here on Thursday.
“To all 713 athletes representing Sabah in this biennial national sports meet, compete with all your might and a high sporting spirit to bring honour to Sabah.
“I have full trust in our athletes’ capability, and that all of you will bring success to set a benchmark for all sporting events in the State.
“Get the best record so you can go on to represent Malaysia at higher-level tournaments including at the world championship meets or the Olympics,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline to the athletes.
“No matter how great the athlete is, they will end up nowhere without discipline. I am sure the sports associations and coaches have imparted this to all athletes. We do not want indiscipline to bring Sabah’s name into bad repute.”
He also called on the athletes to take good care of their health with proper diet and be ready for the games in two weeks time.
