RANAU: The Sabah Government will continue strengthening sports development through better training facilities, financial assistance, sports equipment and incentives to produce more athletes capable of competing at the national and international levels.
The curtain came down on the 58th Sabah Schools Sports Council (MSSS) Athletics Championship after six days of exhilarating competition at the Ranau District Sports Complex, where more than 1,000 young athletes representing 24 district contingents showcased their determination, talent and sporting excellence.
The prestigious championship, held from 19 to 24 July, brought together Sabah’s finest school athletes in an atmosphere filled with excitement, camaraderie and fierce competition.
Deputy Chief Minister II and State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said the commitment reflects the State Government’s priority of developing quality human capital, with sports serving as an important platform to nurture disciplined, competitive and resilient youths.
“The State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor will continue to prioritise sports development through the organisation of competitions at various levels and the continuous identification of promising young talents to be groomed for the highest stages,” he said.
“Do not become complacent with your achievements here. The real challenge lies ahead at the national level. Continue training with discipline, determination and confidence because you carry not only your district’s hopes but also the pride of Sabah,” he said.
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Masidi encouraged Sabah’s representatives to compete with a greater purpose than merely winning medals.
“Our athletes should aim to set new records, raise the standard of Sabah athletics and demonstrate that our young talents are capable of competing with the very best in the country.”
He also reminded athletes who narrowly missed qualification for MSSM not to allow disappointment to discourage them.
“Every defeat is a valuable lesson. Champions are not defined by how many times they fall, but by how many times they rise again. Continue working hard, improve yourselves and return stronger in future competitions.”
His speech was delivered by his Political Secretary, Johari Suhaimin, during the closing ceremony.
Masidi said the annual championships were more than just a sporting competition, describing them as an important platform to identify future athletes who would represent Sabah at the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) championships and the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), with the potential to eventually compete at the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games.
He said the recent recognition of eight Sabah athletes as Sabah Sports Icons proved that the athlete development system under the Sabah Schools Sports Council (MSSS) and MSSM had successfully produced talents capable of excelling at the highest level.
He encouraged participants in this year’s championships to continue striving for excellence, saying they too could one day emerge as Sabah Sports Icons.
Masidi also congratulated the Ranau District Education Office (PPD), led by District Education Officer Barizah Abdul Kahar, together with the organising committee and all parties involved for successfully hosting the championships.
He congratulated the medal winners and athletes selected to represent Sabah at the national level, urging them to make full use of the opportunity by demonstrating discipline, commitment and determination.
Tawau emerged overall champions after collecting 21 gold, 14 silver and nine bronze medals. Kota Kinabalu finished second with 16 gold, 16 silver and 13 bronze medals, while Tambunan placed third with nine gold, seven silver and three bronze medals.
Host district Ranau finished fourth with eight gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze medals, followed by Keningau, Kota Marudu, Lahad Datu and Pensiangan. A total of 24 district contingents took part in the championships.
Also present were Sabah Education Department Deputy Director (Learning Sector) Muddin Beting, Senior Assistant Director of the Student Development Sector Bunsu Gaga and other officials.
As the host district, Ranau earned widespread praise for successfully organising one of the state’s biggest annual school sporting events. Hundreds of supporters packed the Ranau District Sports Complex each day, creating an energetic atmosphere that inspired athletes to deliver outstanding performances.
Beyond the pursuit of medals, the championship served as an important platform for fostering unity, friendship and mutual respect among students from every corner of Sabah. Athletes had the opportunity not only to compete but also to build lifelong friendships while embracing the true spirit of sportsmanship.
With the 58th MSSS Athletics Championship now concluded, attention turns to the upcoming MSSM Championship, where Sabah’s finest young athletes will carry the state’s hopes onto the national stage.
For many participants, the journey in Ranau marks only the beginning of greater ambitions. The championship has once again demonstrated that Sabah continues to produce talented, determined and resilient young athletes who possess the potential to excel at national and even international levels.
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