By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 22: If an island nation of just 550,000 people like Cape Verde can stand toe-to-toe with World Cup champions, Sarawak with a population of 2.8 million has every reason to dream big and reach the pinnacle of global sports.
That was the resounding message from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during a Townhall Session held at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in conjunction with the Sarawak Day celebration today.
Moderated by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Abdullah Saidol, the dialogue session saw the Premier draw inspiration from Cape Verde’s inspiring World Cup journey, drawing against powerhouse Spain and pushing World Cup contender Argentina to the limit, to demonstrate that size is no barrier to sporting greatness.
Responding to a question from an audience regarding Sarawak’s vision for sports development, Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak is actively laying the groundwork to nurture world-class athletic talent.
“If Cape Verde can do it, I think Sarawak can do it too,” he said, pointing to the indicator that dedicated grassroots development and strong institutional backing can transform small nations into formidable sports competitors.
Highlighting local football progress, Abang Johari praised the recent strides made by Kuching City FC and the Sarawak Football Association under the leadership of Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He noted that the team’s recent spirited display against giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) reflects a new era of competitiveness for Sarawakian football.
“But we were so close. And that was just in the final minutes. Look at that, God willing, we might have won back then. I hope next season you go all the way and become the champions in Malaysia first. Don’t worry about the World Cup just yet; let’s focus locally first,” he said.
Beyond domestic leagues, Abang Johari reiterated Sarawak government’s commitment to injecting substantial funding into sports infrastructure, youth development, and tourism.
As proof of Sarawak’s ambition and fiscal capability, he highlighted the State’s bold decision to serve as co-host for the upcoming SEA Games alongside Peninsular Malaysia.
“We are serious about sports development. By co-hosting major events and investing in our youth, we want the spirit of our young athletes to soar, making Sarawak a powerful voice and force in regional and international sports,” he added. — DayakDaily
