| James Kon |
SPORTS associations should always try to help raise the quality of performance for the country’s national athletes.
In addition, these associations must be aware of the needs of the national athletes, such as exposure to competitions which is important to help improve performance and boost the spirit of national athletes, so that they can display their best in the international sporting arena.
This was reiterated by Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC) President His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah in his sabda at the Post Mortem meeting for the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games 2018 held at the conference room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday morning.
His Royal Highness also raised a number of questions to the Brunei contingent on an athlete who was not wearing the official contingent attire while in training during the recent 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
His Royal Highness asked if it was necessary for athletes or officers to wear official contingent attire provided by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS); if not, there would be no need to provide such attire for the country’s contingent in the future.
His Royal Highness highlighted that “the presentation of the official contingent’s attire from the MCYS is to boost our identity as contingent or officer who is an authorised representative of Brunei Darussalam”.
His Royal Highness also commented that his intention is not to find fault or blame anyone, but to remind that the matter maybe considered insignificant but should not be overlooked, because it will be a big issue in the future if it’s not given early attention.
His Royal Highness added that it is also the responsibility of the manager, coaches and athletes themselves, because the contingent being sent overseas is based on spending and efforts from the BDNOC and MCYS through a detailed process of selection from the national athletes’ assessment and selection committee.
On the issue of a national athlete who has never participated in any cross country events despite it being a part of the 1,500m event in the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games, His Royal Highness asked, “Has the athletic coach been informed that whoever is competing in the 1,500m event must take part in cross country event? Why was the coach not informed of the regulation? Why is there a lack of effort to obtain regulations before joining any competition?”
In reply to His Royal Highness’ inquiries, Chef de Mission of the Brunei Darussalam contingent Faisal bin Yunus said, “We only found out the need for participation in cross country event for the 1,500m during the manager’s meeting.”
He also conveyed his apologies for the issue on the official contingent attire.
Athletic Coach Azmize bin Abdul Rahman said, “I only knew about the cross country event which should be participated by all athletes in the 1,500m during the manager’s meeting in Buenos Aires. I discussed with our athlete and officials on whether to continue with the participation. Our athlete wanted to continue on to compete and also agreed on the decision.”
Earlier on in the sabda, His Royal Highness also congratulated the participating national athletes of the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games who gave their best and also improved their personal records.
His Royal Highness hoped that the athletes will make use of the valuable experience to continue working harder to train to increase their performance level in the future.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin in his opening remark at the meeting highlighted, “The Post Mortem meeting has demonstrated His Royal Highness’ concerns and leadership in deciding that the discussion is to be held as fast as possible after the Brunei contingent returned back to Brunei Darussalam on October 22. The Post Mortem is important to fully grasp the experience and teaching, especially the strengths and challenges faced that can become lessons for the young and talented athletes of the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games.” Touching on coaches for sports associations, the minister in his comment during the meeting said, “Coaches must be given Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). We are trying to help the associations. They must select good coaches and ensure they are given KPIs.”
The contingent and officials from the ministry were also present at the meeting, chaired by Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil.
Despite the Brunei contingent failing to obtain any medals at the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games 2018, two national swimmers managed to break their personal best records in their respective events.
National swimmer Nur Haziq Samil, 17, broke his personal best record in the men’s 400m freestyle at the event by finishing 4:33.47s, breaking his old personal best record of 4:33.89s. He also broke his personal best record of 58.78s in the men’s 100m freestyle by finishing with 58.38s.
Ashley Chai Xin Rou, 16, also broke her personal best record of 34.48s in the Women’s 50m backstroke by crossing the finish line with a time of 33.19s. She also broke her personal best record time of 29.63s in the women’s 50m freestyle by finishing with a time of 29.52s in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Meanwhile, Nurul Amirah binti Karim, 15, finished with a time of 6:38.18s in the 1,500m event. Her personal best record is 5:54.77s.