BRUNEI Darussalam needs a more comprehensive long-term athlete development framework with clear goals and targets, in terms of time and achievements. This is the only way the Sultanate can produce high performance athletes, whilst meeting the objectives of the games that the nation’s athletes participate in.

This observation was made by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, the President of Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, in his sabda during a flag handover ceremony for a contingent who will be representing Brunei at the 2nd Asian Youth Games in Nanjing, China.

According to HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, all agencies related to sports will continue to work on indentifying significant programmes and providing constant support and encouragement for the progress and success of the nation’s athletes.

“I truly believe that with discipline, focus and good fighting spirit, Insya Allah, our athletes will be able to compete and make the nation proud,” said HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

Meanwhile, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, noted the Brunei Government will continue to give its support for the development of sports in the nation.

This includes ensuring that the nation participates in both regional and international sports gatherings, he said, adding that it is through such participating that the nation would be able to “test and nurture its athletes’ skills”, and thus, raise the country’s name through sports.

At yesterday’s ceremony, which was held at the VIP Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, handed the national flag over to Dayang Umi Kalthum binti Abdul Karim, Chef-de-Mission of the Brunei contingent to the 2nd Asian Youth Games, which will be held from August 16 to 24, 2013.

The five athletes representing the Sultanate are: Mohd Qazzri Fakhri bin Haji Aslimon, who will be competing in golf, as well as Muhammad Aizuddin Yaqin bin Hj Yahya, Muhammad Anaqi Danish bin Ashrin, Muhammad Hazeeq Asmuie bin Muhammad Fazillah and Mohammad Haziq bin Asharin, who will be competing in fencing.

Yoshea Rayendra Poerawinata, the coach of Brunei’s fencing athletes, said the team’s preparation began as early as two years ago under the ‘Long-term Athlete Development’ programmes that was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

“We will do our very best to earn medals and make Brunei proud of the athletes,” said Yoshea.

Also present at yesterday’s were Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Othman, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Awang Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and other senior government officials. (8 August 2013)