Sports play key role in nation’s development

SIBU: The sports agenda is of paramount importance for a nation to progress.

Dudong assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King said the government has taken an integrated step towards transforming Malaysia into a nation that is active in sports by announcing National Sports Day or Hari Sukan Negara (HSN) be celebrated on the second Saturday of the month of October every year.

“This matter is important as the percentage of Malaysians active in sports is still low compared to developed countries.

“HSN will be the national agenda in line with the nation’s Vision 2020,” Tiong said at the launch of HSN at divisional level in Sibu at the compound of Bukit Lima Indoor stadium here yesterday.

Present were Sibu Deputy Resident Wong Hee Sieng, Sibu Sports and Youth officer Kaya Raju and Temenggong Stanley Gramong.

Tiong who is also chairman of Sibu Municipal Council said HSN was the initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to make Malaysia a country whose people were into sports, making it a way of life.

According to him, the government wants Malaysians to foster ties through sports irrespective of age, race and religious background – in the belief that it would nurture the spirit of unity among her multi-racial population.

“HSN brings about many benefits and goodness. A healthy lifestyle will help overcome obesity which is the cause of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure among the people.

“It will assist us reduce the rate of these disorders in the country,” he said, confident that sports would help a person stay healthy, active and energetic.