BY James Kon

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC) in his sabda at the national flag handing over ceremony for the Brunei Darussalam contingent heading to the Commonwealth Games 2022 has iterated that persistent and continuous training and discipline can bring outstanding success.

This was proven by Bruneian medallists at the recent Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam as well as national wushu athletes’ success in the World Games 2022 in the United States, whose achievements can be emulated to bring glory to the nation.

His Royal Highness said that national sport associations and coaches “should have long term training schedules and not just train when there is a competition”.

“Continuous long-term training will help all parties especially in assessment and selection of athletes for overseas competitions, as well as ensuring they are always ready to represent the nation,” His Royal Highness said.

For the upcoming XXII Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, England, the Sultanate will be sending a 12-member contingent to compete in lawn bowling and weight lifting events.

The BDNOC President congratulated the contingent on representing the country especially the athletes in the weightlifting event who qualified for the 61-kilogramme category.

His Royal Highness added, “This should be an example for national athletes to work hard to qualify for not only the Commonwealth Games but all sports competitions that Brunei Darussalam competes in including the Olympic Games, Olympic Youth Games and Asia Games.”

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah believed that the selected athletes are aware of the regulations especially on prohibited substances and said all national athletes and officers representing the country should uphold discipline to maintain the Sultanate’s reputation.

His Royal Highness also explained that the selection of the national contingent in overseas competitions is based on detailed assessments by members of National Athletes Selection and Evaluation Secretariat whereby reports on athletes are forwarded to the National Athlete Selection and Evaluation Executive Committee.

Therefore, His Royal Highness said, “Selected athletes should be proud of their participation and I would like to remind the athletes to compete with all your heart and not only for the sake of participation.”

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin