| James Kon |
NATIONAL athletes selected for the upcoming 10th BIMPNT-EAGA Friendship Games are encouraged to carve a piece of nation’s history and obtain as much medals as possible and be confident to achieve a milestone achievement for the nation.
The motivational message for the athletes came from 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 speech at the flag handing over ceremony to the Brunei contingent for the 10th BIMPNT-EAGA Friendship Games hosted here from December 7-9.
This year, 138 athletes with 48 officials will be representing Brunei Darussalam in the sports meet. The sports to be competed are Aquatic, Lawn Bowling, Karate-do, Athletics, Pencak Silat, Sepak Takraw, Taekwando and Wushu.
The minister said, “This is the opportunity for our young athletes to prove their abilities that they are able to compete with regional athletes. To our young athletes, I am proud and also confident that you will be successful. Be committed, spirited and professional as a united team with one objective – make the country proud by bringing home medals.
“Athletes need to maintain good behaviour. Besides doing the best for the country, take the opportunity to become a host that reflects the characters of a Bruneian: friendly, fair and respectful to guests. Demonstrate the spirit of friendship in line with this year’s theme ‘Friendship Through Sports’.
“Fly the national flag of Brunei Darussalam with pride and enthusiasm during the competition. Think as a champion to achieve success and comply with the regulations, especially in anti-doping, and do not damage the image of the country.”
Acting Director of Youth and Sports Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed said, “This year’s competition sees 11 contingents representing five countries. The countries are Indonesia comprising South Sulawesi, North Sulawesi and West Sulawesi; Malaysia comprising Sabah, Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan; Philippines comprising Mindanao and Palawan; Northern Territory, Australia; and Brunei Darussalam is represented by Team ‘A’ and Team ‘B’. The estimated participation is 814.
“In preparation of the 10th BIMPNT-EAGA Friendship Games, the country’s athletes have been training since the beginning of the year and also took part in the Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD), Youth Olympic Games and Malaysian Games (Sukma). The athletes have been in centralised training since November 21.
“This is the second time that Brunei Darussalam becomes host of the games. The first was in 2008. Brunei will become the host again in 2028 or 2030.”
The highlight of the ceremony saw the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports presenting the national flag to the Chef De Mission of Brunei Contingent Haji Muhd Nurul Azrin bin Haji Gani.
In the ninth BIMP-EAGA Games held in Samarinda, Brunei Darussalam obtained four gold and two silvers medals through Athletics, Pencak Silat and Sepak Takraw.