Government mulls building new Sibu rugby stadium
SIBU: Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah said the government is considering building a separate rugby stadium in Sibu in view of the rising popularity of the sport.
“Yes, rugby is one sport that is on the rise in Sarawak and we want to see Sarawak becoming the rugby powerhouse in future,” he remarked at the opening of the 4th edition of Sibu 10-a-side Bro Albinus Rugby Cup held at Stadium Tun Zaidi yesterday morning.
For that to materialise, Abdul Karim hoped to see more tournaments and teams coming up from all divisions taking part.
“Rest assure that my ministry will always be there to back you up to develop the sport,” he added.
Among those present at the event were Sarawak Rugby Union President Richard Song, political secretary to the Chief Minister Thomas Romeo, Sibu Division Rugby Union patron Dato Sri
Yes, rugby is one sport that is on the rise in Sarawak and we want to see Sarawak becoming the rugby powerhouse in future. Rest assure that my ministry will always be there to back you up to develop the sport. — Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister
Bartholomew Wong, president Jeffery Ting, chairman Anthony Ting, coach Michael Ting and Bishop Joseph Hii.
A total of 25 teams played in the three categories for the tournament. For the first time, there was the Ladies Open category which attracted six teams.
The Men’s Open and Boy’s Under-18 saw 14 and five teams respectively in contention.
The minister also spoke of the qualities inculcated in playing the game.
“I may not have the opportunity to play the sport but this is one sport with character whereby the athletes never quarrelled among themselves, unlike in football where the players sometimes can fall easily to create issues.
“Rugby is one sport which one can see the opponents always friendly and hugging each other after the matches.”
Meanwhile, Song was quick to agree.
“Players taking part in rugby will learn the five important values of character building, integrity, discipline, solidarity and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
The tournament is held in memory of the late Brother Albinus, the iconic principal of Sacred Heart School in the 1970s and 1980s.
Song also expressed his gratitude to the Ting brothers: Jeffery, Michael and Anthony.
“Without the Ting brothers, Sibu rugby will not be what it is today.”