THE 18th Sukma opened in blaze of colours and pageantry as fireworks illuminated the night sky at Stadium Sarawak in Kuching on July 23. The opening ceremony was officiated by Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud, Yang Di-Pertua of Sarawak.
Hosting the Sukma games for the second time, the event was attended by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar also attended the event along with other officials.
The Brunei contingents were first to appear in the opening parade led by Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed, Acting Director of Youth and Sports in his capacity as the chef de mission.
Thirty-two athletes is representing Brunei in the 18th Sukma, participating in nine sports events which are aquatics, cycling, athletics, pencak silat, taekwondo, bowling, karate and wushu.
Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi also attended to watch the final of a wushu competition where local athlete, Mohd Adi Salihin bin Roslan secured a silver. Overall, Brunei has managed to win three bronze medals in Taekwondo, through Hyde Nachman Hijium, Hyde Nathania Hijium and Ahmad Izzat Ahsanuddin bin Sofian.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports at the opening ceremony of the 18th Sukma
Athletes enter the stadium during the opening parade led by Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed, Acting Director of Youth and Sports
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in a photo with the athletes
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