His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, urged Brunei's athletes to show their dedication, commitment and high discipline at the Asia Games. Such qualities and traits are a trust they must uphold towards bringing glory to their country. The athletes are also reminded to safeguard their safety and not to break the law, such as doping. His Royal Highness made the reminder at the handing over of the national flag to Brunei's contingent to the 18th Asia Games, to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia.

The ceremony was held at Bilik Hijau of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas. It began with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin.

In his sabda, His Royal Highness said that the national athletes and officials who are selected to represent the country need not be reminded of the meaning of Anti-Doping. They should know the rules of safeguarding themselves from elements that go against Anti-Doping. If - in any case - they are ignorant of the regulations, His Royal Highness emphasised that they are not qualified to represent the country, either as athletes or officials. The athletes are also advised to focus on their quest, show that they are really determined and fight hard in the challenges. Aside from that, they must also prove their best performance at the games.

Earlier on, Yang Berhormat Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, in his welcoming address emphasised the need for the athletes to show a solidified front. They must stay united and perform the best of their ability for the sake of the nation. Through disciplines, Yang Berhormat believed that the athletes can bring glory and uplift the country.

His Royal Highness consented to present the national flag to Dayang Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim, Chef de Mission, to the 18th Asia Games. Brunei is represented by 15 athletes and 16 officers.

To bless the ceremony, a Doa Selamat was read by Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin.

Also present at the event was His Excellency Doctor Sujatmiko, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam. Some of the athletes will depart for Indonesia today. Brunei takes part in seven events, namely Track and Field, Wushu, Weight Lifting, Equestrian, Golf, Karate and Pencak Silat. The Asia Games will kick-off on the 18th of August and conclude on the 2nd of September. It is the second biggest sport meet after the Olympics. The games is held every four years under the patronage of the Asia Olympic Council, OCA.

Source:
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by Brudirect.com

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