‘Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose – it teaches you about life.”
– Billie Jean King, an American former world no one tennis player.
The past and current weeks have been all about chasing the gold at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
Presently, Sarawak is dominating the medal tally, followed by the Federal Territory and Selangor.
SUKMA has always served as an exceptional platform for young sportsmen and sportswomen in Malaysia, offering them a golden opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage.
As one of the country’s most prestigious sporting events, SUKMA brings together athletes from various states, fostering not only healthy competition but also a sense of unity and camaraderie among participants.
For many young athletes, SUKMA is their first taste of high-level competition.
This experience allows them to gain invaluable exposure, build confidence, and potentially pave the way for future opportunities in both national and international sports arenas.
The Sarawak government has been particularly instrumental in encouraging young athletes by offering lucrative incentives for medalists.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Tun Openg announced handsome incentives of RM15,000 for a gold medal, RM5,000 for a silver, and RM3,000 for a bronze.
These incentives are not just a token of recognition; they are a powerful motivator that rewards the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that these young athletes exhibit.
By providing financial rewards and public acknowledgement, the state government is emphasizing the importance of sports as a significant aspect of personal and communal development.
Moreover, these incentives catalyse greater ambition.
Young athletes, seeing the tangible rewards of their efforts, are inspired to push their limits, strive for excellence, and aim for higher achievements.
This kind of support plays a crucial role in nurturing local talent and elevating the overall standard of sports in the state.
At the same time, the Premier recently announced the proposal to revive the Borneo Games – a regional sports event involving Sarawak and Sabah, Brunei, and Kalimantan.
He said the Borneo Games would foster camaraderie and athletic excellence among Borneo’s neighbouring countries.
“InshaAllah, I will bring up this idea with our friends, and I am confident this will be a platform for us to train our athletes for the international stage,” he said in his speech during the 21st SUKMA dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday (Aug 22) evening.
Sarawak’s investment in its athletes is a testament to its commitment to creating a strong, vibrant sports culture that could potentially lead to the state being recognized as a powerhouse in the Malaysian sports landscape.
The excitement surrounding SUKMA and the achievements of young athletes naturally lead one to reflect on the role of sports in personal development, especially for the younger generation.
To be honest, this period has made me contemplate the sports that might be ideal for my future children to take up.
While it is not necessarily about steering them towards a professional career in sports, the goal is to encourage them to find a passion for physical activity that they can be driven by.
Sports, in many ways, are more than just physical exercise — they are a school of life.
Whether it is the discipline learned through martial arts, the teamwork fostered in football, or the grace developed in gymnastics, sports instil essential values such as commitment, resilience, and the joy of self-improvement.
These are life lessons that go beyond the sports arena, shaping young minds to be strong, determined, and balanced individuals.
By encouraging participation in sports, whether at a competitive or recreational level, we provide our children with tools that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Sports teach time management, goal setting, and the importance of working hard to achieve one’s dreams.
Additionally, they help in building self-esteem, fostering friendships, and developing a sense of community.
These are the foundational skills that can help young people navigate the challenges of life with confidence and grace.
In a broader sense, sports can be a platform where children discover a lifelong passion.
This passion might not only keep them physically active but could also lead to opportunities they might never have imagined, such as scholarships, travel, or even a career in sports management, coaching, or sports journalism.
As Sarawak continues to invest in its young athletes through various initiatives, the future of sports in the state looks promising.
The emphasis on nurturing talent, combined with the community’s growing interest in physical activity, creates an environment where the next generation can thrive.
Whether they become future champions or simply carry the love of sports throughout their lives, the impact of this early encouragement will be profound.
As we look to the future, let’s continue to support and inspire our young people to embrace sports, not just as a pastime, but as a vital part of their growth and development.
Through sports, they will learn lessons that last a lifetime, and who knows? Perhaps some of them will go on to represent Sarawak—and Malaysia—on the global stage.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
