SABAH COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING SPORTS SECTOR - HAJIJI

TAWAU, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to strengthening and advancing the state’s sports sector through the construction and provision of various sports facilities across the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state government’s commitment is also reflected through incentives awarded to athletes who bring pride to Sabah and Malaysia.

“It is our hope to see more Sabah athletes excel on national and international stages,” he said in a statement here today.

He said Sabah has proven its capability in producing quality athletes, as seen in the success of several sporting talents at both national and international levels, including high jumper Farrel Glen Felix Jerus, silat exponent Merrywati Manuil, archer Evan Rich Chong and boxer Jonathan John.

“They are proof that Sabah’s young talents can be the pride of both the state and the nation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hajiji said the organisation of the Sabah Games (SAGA) reflects the government’s continued efforts to ensure the state does not run short of new sporting talent.

The event also serves as a platform to identify and nurture future athletes for higher-level competitions.

He expressed hope that SAGA would grow into a prestigious sporting carnival that not only encourages broad community participation but also fosters a stronger sporting culture across Sabah.

“I hope all SAGA XI participants in Tawau compete with discipline and a strong spirit of sportsmanship while using the event as a platform to improve their performance,” he said.

A total of 9,588 athletes and officials from 30 districts in Sabah are taking part in the 11th Sabah Games (SAGA XI) 2025 in Tawau, featuring 23 sports and 217 events.

-- BERNAMA