KOTA KINABALU: More programmes or competitions should be organised in order to find new sporting talents in Sabah, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said this when urging the state Youth and Sports Ministry to unearth more Sabahan athletes.
He said the state government in the 2022 state budget had allocated RM52.02mil for sports development, including for sports infrastructure and facilities this year.
“We are developing sports programmes not just to create a healthy society, but also with the aim of bringing the state’s name to the international level.
“The state government is committed towards this as many of our young athletes have actually competed at the international level and made the country proud,” he said during a ceremony to celebrate Sabahan athletes’ achievement at the 31st SEA Games on Thursday (June 16).
Hajiji said several Sabahan athletes won gold medals during the recent SEA Games held at Hanoi, such as jumper Andre Anura Anuar, diver Jellson Jabilin, archer Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh and cyclist Natahsya Soon.
“I urged the ministry to continue finding new talents ... I am sure a lot of our youngsters are talented in various fields like athletics, badminton, swimming or cycling, which we can highlight,” he added.
Hajiji also congratulated the Sabahan athletes for their achievements.
During the event, he presented a mock cheque totalling RM71,450 to 23 medal winners including for team competitions during the SEA Games.
