‘We can do it’ challenge to sports associations

MIRI: Sports associations in the state have been encouraged to host more internat ional tournaments.

In making the call, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted three major international events held in Sarawak recently, namely the Malaysia Open badminton championships, the F INA ( Internat ional Swimming Federation) diving meet and the Malaysia Masters badminton championship.

“We can do it – I challenge all of you (sports associations),” he said in his opening remarks at the 52nd Mr Sarawak bodybuilding championships here.

Abdul Karim was responding to a proposed bid by Miri Division Bodybui lding Associ at ion (PBBBM) to host the Mr Malaysian championships in 2020.

“I highly commend PBBBM, who is headed by a woman (Jamilah Ibrahim) which is a feat by itself in that she is the only woman president of a bodybui lding association in Malaysia.

“I applaud you on your bid to host Mr Malaysia. I also assure you that we, the government, will help you all the way – do not worry too much about funding.

“Having said this, why stop at national-level events? Go for international ones. Work out your plans to bring the world to Sarawak which will not only help our sports development, but will also bring in positive spin- off effects to the locals.

“This will boost Sarawak’s sports tourism,” said Abdul Karim.