BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Although Brunei Darussalam’s participation at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan involves only one female athlete, her participation reflects the country’s continued commitment to promoting inclusive participation for women in sports, while reinforcing efforts to empower women in the sporting arena for the future, said Prince Sufri Bolkiah
The Prince who is the president of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, said this in his speech during the national flag handover ceremony at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Monday (Sept 14).
He hoped that the athletes will make full use of the opportunity and trust placed in them by giving their utmost best in representing the nation.
“Give your best against every opponent and uphold the trust and responsibilities entrusted to you with dedication, commitment and determination,” he said.
The Prince also understands that the wushu team will be staying onboard a cruise ship with athletes from other countries during the Asian Games. The accommodation atmosphere on a cruise ship is different compared to staying in a hotel.
He reminded all athletes, especially the wushu athletes, to always stay focused and give their full attention during the competition. “Do not allow differences in the accommodation environment to become a distraction or an obstacle to your efforts to deliver your best performance and achieve your best results.”
The Prince called on Brunei’s athletes to “compete with unwavering determination, dedication and true sportsmanship to uphold the honour and good name of Brunei Darussalam at the Asian Games, the largest sporting event in Asia, organised by the Olympic Council of Asia”.
He reminded all athletes and officers heading to the 20th Asian Games to always maintain good discipline, as well as comply with and respect regulations and guidelines established by the organiser.
“Athletes must always stay away from all prohibited substances and comply with the acts, regulations and requirements related to anti-doping enforced by the World Anti-Doping Agency,” he added.
The Prince also emphasised that all officers and coaches of Brunei’s contingent to the 20th Asian Games must always ensure that the aspect of safeguarding athletes is given due attention and priority during their participation at the 20th Asian Games.
This matter is among the aspects given great importance by the Olympic Council of Asia to ensure that athletes can carry out competitions in a safe, healthy and conducive environment.
For the 20th Asian Games 2026, Brunei Darussalam will be represented by a 12-member contingent comprising six athletes and six officials. The six athletes, consisting of five male athletes and one female athlete, will compete in karate and wushu. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
