KANGAR: The Unity Sports League organised by the National Unity Ministry since 2022 is an effective platform to strengthen unity among the various races in the country by fostering togetherness through a shared sporting programme.
National Unity Ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said the effectiveness of the league could be seen in how the public, especially youths, could sit together and participate in various sports, comprising traditional games and modern sports.
"The hosting of this sports league is an important element as a platform towards national unity… it is not just a sports event to identify talent, but also about bringing people from diverse backgrounds together under one sporting programme to further strengthen relationships among us," she said.
She told reporters this after officiating at the 2026 Northern Zone Unity Sports League here Sunday (Oct 11), which was also attended by National Unity and Integration Department director-general Zulkifli Hashim.
Haslina said this year's edition kicked off with the Central Zone in Kuala Lumpur in September, followed by the Eastern Zone in Terengganu, the Northern Zone in Perlis, then Sabah and Sarawak, before concluding in the Southern Zone in Negri Sembilan, with a targeted participation of more than 20,000 people.
Meanwhile, she said the Northern Zone event featured a combination of traditional games, held on Saturday (Oct 10) at the historic Kota Kayang Museum area, and modern sports, namely futsal and netball, held Sunday.
"This approach gives the public an opportunity to learn about traditional games, while taking part in sporting activities popular among today's generation. We want to produce an active and competitive generation without forgetting our cultural roots and shared responsibility in building a united nation," she said.
Haslina said that despite differences in their formats and methods of play, traditional and modern sports share one important quality in that they provide opportunities for the people to interact in an open and inclusive environment.
"Participants can get to know one another, build mutual understanding and forge relationships without being limited by differences in race, language or age," she added. - Bernama
