Show fighting spirit at global meet, varsity athletes told

THE Higher Education Ministry hopes the Malaysian contingent will achieve outstanding results in line with the targets set, said its minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

“I hope our athletes will exhibit the fighting spirit and bring pride to the nation,” said Idris.

The minister’s text was read out by his deputy, Datuk Dr Mary Yap, at the handing over of the Jalur Gemilang to the Malaysian contingent to the World Sports University championship.

The event also celebrated athletes from institutions of higher learning who are now competing in the SEA Games 2017.

“Of the 874 athletes who will be competing in this year’s SEA Games, 264 of them or 30.2%, are student athletes.

“The numbers are representative of the ministry’s aspiration of having 30% of the country’s athletes coming from its institutions of higher learning.

“We are right on track and I hope the numbers will increase in future world championships that Malaysia competes in,” he added.

Also called UNIVERSIADE 2017, Idris said he believed the championship would give athletes the challenge they need in enhancing their capabilities and achievements at global level.

The event, which started yesterday, will see the participation of 61 Malaysian athletes in six of the 21 games.

Dr Yap (second from left) gestures with a fist pump together with Higher Education Ministry deputy secretary-general (development) Datuk Nik Ali Mat Yunus (left) and the Malaysian contingent during the handing over of the Jalur Gemilang.