Hajiji with Sabah Sukma contingent after the flag handing over ceremony at SICC today.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor urged Sabah’s 713-strong contingent competing in the 21st edition of the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), Sarawak to do their best to achieve the target of 40 golds.
In the 20th SUKMA in Kuala Lumpur two years ago, Sabah’s team brought home 30 golds, 30 silvers, and 38 bronzes.
The Chief Minister is confident the Sabah team will be able to achieve the target set this year.
In 2022, Sabah placed sixth among 15 contingents in the nation’s mostprestigious sports meet, which also included the Brunei Darussalam contingent.
The Chief Minister said the best incentive awaits the SUKMA Sarawak winners.
“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,” he said when handing over the State flag to the Sabah contingent at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, today.
SUKMA 2024 will be held in Sarawak from Aug 17 to 24.
“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,” Hajiji told the athletes.
The Chief Minister advised the athletes to maintain the highest degree of discipline, which is the most crucial element when competing in any competition.
“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 indisipline to bring Sabah’s name into bad repute,” he said.
“I am also sure the Sabah contingent is mentally and physically prepared. Therefore, I hope our athletes will take care of their daily diet including prescribed supplements,” he said, adding that with only about two more weeks to go before SUKMA Sarawak starts, the athletes must take good care of their health and be ready for the games.
Hajiji also wants officials accompanying the athletes to look after athletes’ safety and welfare during their stay in Sarawak.
