By DayakDaily Team
SEMATAN, May 7: Sarawak athletes have been reminded to reject any second-best mentality, even when facing national-level competitors, and instead embrace a number-one mindset if they are to defend their crown at the 22nd Malaysia Games (SUKMA XXII) Selangor 2026.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the expectation for success is not only placed by the State leadership but also shared by all Sarawakians who are eager to see the contingent excel once again on the national stage.
He emphasised that Sarawak athletes must never see themselves as inferior, even when competing against national athletes, stressing that victory is achievable with the right mindset.
“When you enter the arena, do not be intimidated even if you see an opponent who is a national athlete, because national athletes can also be defeated. The moment you see yourself as number two, you will not be the best. That is very important.
“The moment you step into the arena, instil in your mind that no one can beat you, that you are the best. When you are able to build that kind of thinking and mentality, you will become a champion,” he said when officiating the closing ceremony of the Champion Camp and the Launch of the 100-Day Countdown to SUKMA XXII Selangor 2026 at Putra Sentosa Retreat Camp on Wednesday night (May 6).
Abdul Karim also expressed hope that new and unexpected talents would rise to deliver gold medals for Sarawak.
While the government and stakeholders can provide full support and encouragement, he reminded that the ultimate success rests on the athletes themselves, who have trained over the past two years to represent Sarawak with pride.
“We can only provide encouragement and hope, but the rest depends on all of you, so do not let us down.
“Carry out your responsibilities and fulfil your roles based on all the efforts made over the past two years. Return with success to ensure Sarawak becomes back-to-back champions,” he said.
He added that Sarawakians are eager to hear the Sarawak anthem, Ibu Pertiwi, played in celebration of gold medal victories at sporting events, symbolising the pride of the Land of the Hornbills.
Deputy Minister for Youth and Sport Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister for Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Tanjung Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, and acting chief executive officer of Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) Khairul Nizam Morshidi were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
