FRIDAY, 22 APRIL – Sports can be a platform to foster self-confidence and unity amongst international community.

According to Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, sports icon in each country especially Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam should be emulated on their successes through inner strength and will, as a result of their involvement in sports.

“Sports is a culture shared by the worldwide communities crossing all borders and regions.

“Therefore, it is imperative that we try to elevate sports to international level and produce sports champions such as Lee Chong Wei who has high self-confidence and highly motivated, able to inspire the spirit of unity through his success,” he said when launching the Borneo Universities Friendship Games 2016 at Universiti Malaysia Sabah Stadium.

He added that through sporting games, those who came from different background converged and interact amongst athletes in the participating contingents, thus opening up opportunities for them to understand each other's culture and lifestyle.

“We recommend that all athletes be united to become champions regardless of color, creed or religion,” he urged.

A total of 15 contingents of higher learning institutions of Malaysia, Kalimantan Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam participated in the championship that featured 13 events. – (fl)

 
Photo: Johaidi Ismail