By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Oct 13: Sarawak is looking to turn major international sporting events into career opportunities for local athletes and technical personnel, with the 2027 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games expected to open more doors beyond competitive sports.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said Sarawak’s hosting of 18 sports at the upcoming SEA Games would provide opportunities for local athletes to contribute their expertise and services while gaining exposure to international-level competitions.
“As another opportunity, Sarawak will host 18 sports at the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. This will provide opportunities for our athletes to offer services to participating athletes,” he said speaking during the tabling of the Supply Bill 2027 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today.
He said the state government, together with Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), also supported international-standard sporting events such as the Kuching Marathon, Layar Cycling Carnival and IBF World Youth Bowling Championships, which creates opportunities not only for athletes but also for technical officials involved in organising competitions.
Gerald said athlete development must continue beyond the Sukma, with long-term pathways to national and international competition as well as education and career opportunities after retirement.
MYSED monitors athletes’ progress and is prepared to support their transition into careers such as coaching, physiotherapy, nutrition and other sports-related fields.
Gerald said Sarawak’s sporting achievements should be assessed beyond Sukma results, highlighting athletes who had progressed to represent Malaysia internationally, including ten-pin bowler Nur Hazirah Ramli, divers Bertrand Rhodict Lises and Elvis Priestly Clement, and national shot put record holder Jonah Chang Rigan.
Meanwhile, Gerald said 56 athletes from the Central Zone represented Sarawak at Sukma XXII Selangor 2026, competing in athletics, silat, judo, weightlifting, basketball, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball and indoor volleyball accounted for the largest group, with 26 athletes.
He said sports training centres were established according to local needs and sporting interests, citing Sibu’s centralised volleyball training as an example of how athletes could train together.
The Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) also works with sports associations and educational institutions to strengthen talent development through sports science analysis and high-performance training.
Gerald added that the PETRONAS Youth Football Close programme had been expanded to Mukah this year to identify young talent, while continued investment in sports development would help prepare athletes for higher levels of competition.
He urged elected representatives to take a more active role in supporting athletes by paying attention to their needs and providing encouragement throughout their sporting journeys. – DayakDaily
