`Put Lustre On Our Sports Medal Tally'
Jason Thomas and Abdul Rahim Mohd Taib

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam has a long way to go in the sports industry to be on par with other countries with excellent sporting records, said His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, president of the Brunei National Olympic Council.

His Royal Highness said the country's medal tally at the Asian Games was far from satisfactory with only several bronze medals in the previous meet.

"The history of participation and achievement for Bruneian athletes in the Asian Games ... is not something we can be proud of; yet because so far, we have only been able to win a few bronze medals," he said in a sabda after handing the national flag to Japar Bangkol, chef-demission of the nation's contingent to the 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

"It is obvious that we still are not on the same level as other countries, he said yesterday. In his speech, His Royal Highness said as a result of the lack of notable achievements, by athletes in previous international events, serious, comprehensive and collective efforts would have to be made to assess the source of weakness of the nation's athletes.

"I'd like to urge all sports associations in the country and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to redouble their efforts towards this goal of improving our national athletes," he said. His Royal Highness also thanked the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for carrying out "Project Gold", which aims to provide systematic and continuous training to the athletes chosen to represent the nation in future events.

"I feel this kind of effort must have the full support from all parties," said His Royal Highness.

Expressing hopes that the contingent would create a historic feat at the games, His Royal Highness said the athletes had a heavy task to perform: "Today's presentation of the national flag to the Brunei contingent ... is the mandate of the nation and the people of Brunei Darussalam for the officials and athletes involved to carry out this heavy 'responsibility that the athletes have to uphold Brunei's good name in sports," said His Royal Highness. He said that although only two teams - karate-do and tenpin bowl - were sent to the Asian Games, it is still a meaningful event for the country.

"Today is yet another meaningful and historic moment for Brunei Darussalam, as once again, we are able to join the Asian Games" to be held from December 1 to 15, said His Royal Highness. He also advised all the seven athletes chosen to have the spirit and confidence to achieve victory.

Meanwhile, at the Hassanal Bolkiah National- Stadium in Berakas, three companies supporting the Project Brunei Gold 2007 signed an agreement to sponsor meals for the athletes during their intensive training in preparation for the international sports meet.

Sheraton Utama Hotel, Orchid Garden Hotel and Royal Brunei Catering signed a memorandum of understanding to provide daily meals for the athletes under the watchful eyes of their dietitian and coaches.

An official from the ministry stated that the project was a strategy towards achieving success, in regional and international sports meets.

The main goal of this project is to produce elite and high quality athletes, and to realise this, intensive training with guidance of sport science is necessary.

The earliest result of this intervention is expected to be seen in the 2007 SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Pg Sabri Pg Mohammad, deputy director of the Youth and Sports Department, lauded the private sector for its support to the development of the country's sports.

"This action taken by the private sector shows that the Government is not alone' in developing the sporting performance in this country, the private sector is also active in supporting the Government in efforts to improve the quality of athletes," he said.

Mohd Zamri Dato Paduka Hamdani, senior special duty officer, explained that the ministry was committed to enhancing the quality and performance of the athletes in preparation for any regional and international competition. "Project Brunei Gold 2007 is a starting point made by the ministry to introduce the science of sport," said Mohd Zamri. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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