COLOURFUL DISPLAY: Dancers performing during the official opening ceremony of this year’s Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) XVI which was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at Stadium Mini Majlis Sukan Negara last night. — Bernama photo
LET THE GAMES BEGIN: Contingents from various states in the march pass during the official opening ceremony at the Bukit Jalil Mini-Stadium last night. — Bernama photo
It is an important medium in realising country’s goal and vision, says Muhyiddin
KUALA LUMPUR: Sports is an effective agent in uniting the people of various races and religion in the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said proof that sports continued to be a uniting factor could be seen through unwavering support by the people when national athletes fought to make the country proud at sport championships here and abroad.
According to Muhyiddin, sports was an important medium in realising the country’s goal and vision as well as forming an active and competitive society.
“Because of this, the government is committed towards ensuring sports is given priority in the country,” he said when opening the 16th Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Bukit Jalil Mini-Stadium here last night.
Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong.
Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said the government will continue to widen its initiatives by providing a platform to identify talented young athletes to represent the country in the future.
He said the ministry was also involved in increasing efforts to produce more students who are active in sports, with the One Student One Sport programme introduced in 2011.
“The Education Ministry is actively ensuring the programme’s effectiveness, especially in preparing facilities, training equipment, qualified coaches and training programmes that are more structured have continuity,” he said.
Besides that, Muhyiddin said efforts to develop sporting talent through Sukma was an important catalyst for the country.
He said he was proud of Sukma which had contributed towards producing stars such as world number one badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei, world number one squash player Datuk Nicol Ann David and national cycling champion Mohd Azizul Hasni Awang.
He also hoped that more national records, Sukma records and personal records would be set by athletes in this edition of the Sukma.
“I hope this event will set a high standard in efforts to give sufficient exposure to the athletes taking part,” he said. — Bernama