By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 24: Sarawak aims to produce at least eight Olympians by the year 2030, says Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“We will continue to develop our athletes through various sports development programmes and we hope that by 2030, we will be able to increase the number of Olympians at least to eight,” he said at the 2021 Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) appreciation night held at Pullman Hotel here last night (Jan 23).
He disclosed that the last two years since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Sarawak, has been frustrating for him and sports industry players due to various difficulties faced in building State sports.
Nevertheless, he hoped to see the State excel as a sports powerhouse as well as become the champion in the coming Malaysia Games (Sukma) this year.
He also called on every sports body in Sarawak to put aside politics within the organisation as they must focus on looking after the athletes so they can become champions.
Abdul Karim also encouraged athletes to contact him if they feel that SSC has not been fair to them.
“I will make sure that your name will not be revealed. Just tell me what is the problem and what are the things you’re not happy with.
“I would want to know what is the problem and the reasons why we are not able to achieve or become better in our sports performance,” he emphasised.
At the event, Abdul Karim presented Excellence Service Awards to 39 recipients for the year 2019 and 2020.
Also present were Youth and Sports Development Assistant Minister Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Entrepreneur Development Assistant Minister Dr Ripin Lamat, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development acting permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi and SSC acting chief executive officer Semawi Mohamad. — DayakDaily
