States must invest in talent development to help Malaysia achieve Olympic gold

ASAJAYA - Malaysia's quest for a first Olympic gold medal will never be realised if all the state governments do not do their part in investing in the development of new sports talent.

Sarawak Youth, Sports and Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah believes that the responsibility for sports talent development should not be fully entrusted to the Youth and Sports Ministry.

"If everyone leaves it to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to produce good athletes, it will be impossible (to achieve the Olympic gold medal),” he told reporters after attending the distribution of sacrificial meat at Dewan Kampung Asajaya Ulu here today.

Abdul Karim, who is also the Asajaya assemblyman, said this when commenting on a statement by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh on Saturday (June 15) when she urged all state governments to invest in the development of new talents to produce more swimmers and divers.

Hannah had said that, so far, only Sabah and Sarawak seem to have invested a lot in developing these two sports.

Abdul Karim, who supported Hannah's call, said sporting excellence was one way to boost the country's image at the international level.

"It (sports talent development) also needs to be done by state governments, be it in the Peninsula or Sabah and Sarawak, because this (international-level achievement) involves the country's pride,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said his ministry is also considering establishing a centre of excellence for boxing in the Sri Aman division to produce pugilists to represent the state and country.

"I admit that boxing is a favourite of the people of Sri Aman... that's why for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024, I have ensured boxing is held in Sri Aman because I know there are many boxing fans there,” he said. - BERNAMA