KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has allocated RM97.5 million to the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports for youth and sports development, upgrading sports facilities and the provision of sports science studies this year. 

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said this reflected the State Government’s commitment to progressing sports development in Sabah. 

“As the Chief Minister of Sabah, I want to see Sabah producing more great athletes and sportsmen who will bring sports glory to our state and country. 

“Many have excelled and did Sabah and the country proud in the national and international sporting arenas,” he said at the media launch of the Borneo Sevens 2023 Rugby Tournament at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today. 

His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II/Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam. 

Similarly, he said focus should also be given to sports such as rugby so that young talent can be discovered and groomed. 

“Sabah, as we all know is already one of the ‘power-houses’ of rugby in Malaysia and I am very proud that the Sabah men’s rugby team has excelled and gone on to win the prestigious Agong’s Cup five times so far. This augurs well for rugby in the state and I wish to see our rugby team soar to greater heights,” he said. 

The Chief Minister said with the Sabah Rugby Union and Eagles Rugby Club among the pioneers in implementing the latest techniques and modules in sports development, he can foresee a good future for the game here. 

“I am happy to learn that the Sabah Rugby fraternity has set a standard sports development that many should emulate,” he said. 

The Chief Minister was confident that Sabah rugby officials have the capability to effectively organise the Borneo Sevens, which is an Asia Rugby-sanctioned event.

“With the presence of renowned foreign teams and the best Malaysian teams inaction, sports enthusiasts, especially rugby fans will be treated to rugby excellence this coming March. 

“I am confident that the Borneo Sevens will continue to grow in prestige to become a core event in the tournament calendar for all rugby teams in the region,” he said. 

Ends