Francis Nyurang Ding
KUCHING: Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) director Francis Nyurang Ding has welcomed the RM378 million budget allocation for sports development by the government tabled at the Budget 2013 recently.
According to him, sports in the state and country is on the ascend and he hoped that the budget will improve the quality of sports in the country especially Sarawak.
He hoped with the allocated budget, more sports facilities will be build in Sarawak since the state have produced a number of world-class athletes.
Francis also pointed out that the task of developing sports in the state and country does not lie on the shoulders of the government itself.
The various sports associations in the state and country must also contribute and play their roles too.
“I urge the various sports associations here in the state to work closely with MSNS. This is important as we need to identify which sports have the potential to be developed further at the highest level,” he said.
Francis continued that the MSNS’ role in sports development in the state is to assist the various sports associations in Sarawak by providing facilities and support to them.
“We want sports associations here to be more aggressive. If there is anything that they need, they can come to us and we will look into the matter,” he added.
Commenting on Sarawak’s decision not to participate in certain sports event in Sukma XVI, Francis admitted that it is a loss for the state.
He however insists that Sarawak is looking into the matter.
“We will not be participating in woodball, equestrian, rowing and rhythmic swimming for the next Sukma because we do not have the association for these sports in the state. This is sad, but decision has been finalised,” he said.
Francis is however optimistic that the state will shine in sports like judo and table tennis.
These sports have the potential to win Sarawak gold medals.
Other sports event during that might bag the state medals are silambam, kabbadi and muay thai.
Although Sarawak is new in participating in these events, Francis is optimistic that Sarawak can go far.
At the end of the interview, Francis added that as the Budget 2013 have been announced, it is up to the sports associations to play their roles effectively.
“Let Sarawak continue its tradition in producing world-class athletes for the country,” said Francis.