Bandar Seri Begawan - Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Darn Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, yesterday reiterated the need for local media to publish balanced stories which will also inspire the local athletes.

Speaking at the first of its kind dialogue session with the local media, he said the ministry and the Youth and Sport Department need the constructive criticism and views from the media on the achievement of sports - but not excessive criticism of athletes who have failed- while praising athletes who did well.

Athletes may feel unappreciated and unrecognised for their hard work as well as involvement in sports.

He added "Media should also provide encouragement and sympathy to athletes in sports".

Earlier he touched on the ministry's role in sports, saying that, "It is the ministry's aspiration to further develop sports for peace and development. This is done through community sports projects to build a healthy lifestyle and unite the people of the country as well as contribute peace and prosperity in regional and international arenas.

"The ministry also uplifts sport performance to a higher level with the aim of developing the country's sport excellence and sport tourism industry that can contribute to the local economy like the Tour de Brunei whereby Brunei's team took part along with teams from overseas."

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin