KUCHING: Sarawak government continues to place great emphasis on sports development, including building a velodrome for track cycling.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak had to send their cycling teams to train in West Malaysia as there is no velodrome in the state.
“For now, we have no choice, but to send our athletes to West Malaysia for training and Karim had also raised the issue about it…,” he said, referring to Minister of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
“But (don’t worry) it is already in the planning,” he said at the official handing over of Sarawak Flag to Sarawak SUKMA XX MSN 2022 Contingent here yesterday.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government is committed to provide more development programmes and proper training centres for the children and youth in the state.
He said by having world-leading sporting facilities around Sarawak, it would enable to encourage and inspire more people to participate.
“Whenever I meet with the young people, they always have a similar request; which is to have a stadium for them to play various sports in their respective area. Hence, the Sarawak Government has allocated a lot of money to build stadiums throughout the state.
“Yes, it requires a lot of money (allocation) as Sarawak is a big state but as long as I have the money (allocation), I will continue to enhance and develop more and better sporting facilities – like those in New Zealand; as that’s my responsibility,” he added.
Abang Johari said he believed the Sarawakian athletes have the potential and are capable to compete internationally and shine on the world stage.
Citing diving queen Datuk Pandelela Rinong, powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin as well as sprinter Watson Nyambek, are all Sarawakians who had put Malaysia on world map.
He also urged the 564 athletes from Sarawak, who will be competing in the 20th Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Kuala Lumpur, from Sept 16 to 24, to uphold the spirit of “Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban”, meaning fight until death.
“You (athletes) are all our heroes; thus, maintain that spirit in every competition and that you cannot lose,” he said.
“Make your intention clear – that you are representing Sarawak and you must win! You are the stars of Sarawak and if you win; you are our pride,” he stressed.
Abang Johari handed over the Sarawak flag to Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development namely Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu who was also appointed as Chef-de-Mission (CDM), to lead the Sarawak’s contingent in the 20th Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Kuala Lumpur, from Sept 16 to 24.
