KUCHING: Athletes competing in the ongoing 18th edition of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) have been told to continue to aim high and gain experience to prepare themselves for the global stage.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Sukma, which has been organised since 1986, is the breakout platform for athletes from states to score greater achievements at national and international level.
Khairy said previous editions of the Malaysia Games have produced many icons including Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Datuk Nicol David and Azizulhasni Awang.
“Pandelela Rinong and Watson Nyambek were among the many sports icons from Sarawak who made their mark via the Malaysia Games.
“Sukma is where we plant the seeds of success for the future. This is just the beginning and let us aim for the future.
“After Sukma, we have many other sports tournaments at international level including the SEA Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.
“Let this year’s Sukma be a good start for us in achieving our first gold in the Olympic Games, set to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil soon,” said Khairy in his speech at the 18th Sukma opening ceremony at the Sarawak Stadium in Petra Jaya near here yesterday.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, who was accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib, officiated the opening ceremony of this year’s Sukma, themed “Unity in Diversity.”
Joining more than 50,000 people, who had weathered the wet spell to gather at the stadium for the opening ceremony, were Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and his wife, Puan Sri Jamilah Anu, as well as Minister Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Halbi Mohd Yussof.
Also in attendance were Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man, his wife Datin Seri Nor Aswana Azlan and members of the Sarawak state cabinet.
On behalf of the Federal Government, Khairy also extended his appreciation and congratulated Adenan and the state government as well as people of Sarawak, who had displayed a high spirit of unity.
Later, Adenan in his speech, promised Sarawak that will be a gracious host and a great competitor throughout the tournament.
Adenan, known for his humour, asked athletes from Brunei and other participating states to take their time and explore the beauty of Sarawak.
“Welcome to kek lapis (layer cake), mee kolo and terubuk masin (salted fish)," he quipped.
Adenan also shared a quote from legendary American athlete and Olympian Jesse Owens.
"He said, 'Friendships are born on the field of athletic strife and the real gold of competition. Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust',” said Adenan.
A total of 15 contingents including Brunei are taking part in this year’s Sukma, which commenced on July 19. This is the second time Sarawak is hosting Sukma, the first being in 1990.