KUCHING: Sarawak's co-hosting of the SEA Games next year will boost sports and athlete development in the state.
State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was in line with Sarawak's ambition to become a sports powerhouse.
He said 17 sports in the 2027 SEA Games would be held in Sarawak.
The respective facilities will be upgraded at a cost of RM270mil.
"This is how prepared and committed we are to develop sports," Abdul Karim said.
He added that a high-performance centre will be built to progress athletes to a higher level.
Abdul Karim spoke when presenting grants to youth and sports associations here on Wednesday (April 8).
He said Sarawak requested specific sports, such as wushu, to be hosted in the state to build up interest and facilities.
"With good facilities available, hopefully we can produce more athletes in various sports," he said.
He urged sports associations to make use of the upgraded facilities for training or events.
Abdul Karim also called on the associations to keep developing their respective sports in support of Sarawak's powerhouse ambition.
He noted that certain sports, such as athletics, have not been able to push on consistently.
"Athletics in Sarawak has been up and down. I have not seen athletics meets being held in Kuching, so try to look into this," he said.
Abdul Karim later handed over grants totalling RM1.93mil to 43 youth and sports associations.
The grants are meant to assist the associations in carrying out their activities.
