Megat heads 2019 SEA Games contingent

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) secretary-general Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin was appointed as the national contingent chief to the 30th SEA Games in Manila, Philippines on Nov 30-Dec 10 next year.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (MOM) president Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria confirmed that the election of Megat was based on his experience in sports and said the former national athlete also had knowledge in the administration of sports bodies.

“The achievement of silat is also encouraging, we have world champions and the country’s champions have excellent results. I believe with his credibility and leadership he is able to take on the challenge in the Philippines as the country’s contingent is the defending champion in the SEA Games, “he told a press conference after chairing the MOM executive board meeting yesterday.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Norza said the number of sports competing would be decided at the SEA Games Federation meeting at the end of this month in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Megat when met said the appointment was a big honour for him but he admitted that ensuring that the country’s contingent’s excellence as a defending champions at the biennial event would not be easy.

Megat said the outstanding performance of the national contingent which won 145 gold medals in Kuala Lumpur last year should be maintained or bettered at the next SEA Games.

“Thanks to MOM and the national sport associations who have agreed to choose me as contingent leader in the Philippines. This is not the first time I am involved in an international game, my previous experience would be a guide for me to lead the contingent this time.

“Since we are the overall champions at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, it is undeniable that fans will expect something from the national contingent in Manila. I am confident that all the sports associations as well as athletes will make the best preparation,” he said. — Bernama

Twenty-six people attended the FAM D Licence Course organised by Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) at Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tun Abdul Razak in Kota Samarahan from Nov 12 to 16. The course was conducted by Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) facilitators Mohamad Reduan Abdullah and Raja Isa Raja Akram Shah. FAS vice president Phillip Jabu said FAS welcomes more such courses to be organised as an initiative to produce more calibre coaches in Sarawak. Picture shows Phillip (seated fifth left), FAS officials and FAM facilitators with the participants at the end of the course.

File photo shows Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah (centre) presenting the trophy to the team captain from SMK Sacred Heart after winning the Boys’ U-18 category of the Bro Albinus Challenge Cup. Looking on are Jeffery Ting (right), Dato Sri Barthomolew Wong (third right) and Song (seventh right).

RATCHANOK INTANON