The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) remains committed to strengthening the nation’s sports ecosystem by focusing on three key pillars – enhancing the performance of elite athletes, promoting inclusive community participation, and strengthening the capacity to host regional and international sporting events.
These efforts are aligned with the aspiration of building a Sporting Nation of Excellence, measured not only by medal achievements but also by the overall health and resilience of the people, in line with the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.
The key pillars were shared by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Awang Haji Mohamad yesterday at the third day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council.
The minister was responding to questions by Yang Berhormat Haji Mohamad Danial @ Tekpin bin Ya’akub and Yang Berhormat Haji Daud bin Jihan.
In recent years, he highlighted, “Brunei Darussalam has demonstrated its capability in hosting regional and international sporting events. These include the 12th Southeast Asian Karate Federation (SEAKF) Championship, the 2nd Borneo Fencing Championship, the 9th World Junior Wushu Championship, the 1st Brunei Half Marathon, as well as the 14th ASEAN School Games (ASG), organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the MCYS, which has demonstrated the country’s capability as a credible host through the whole-of-nation approach.
“This experience serves as an important foundation for the country to move forward in hosting larger-scale sporting events in the future.”
However, he also noted that organising world-class sporting events today requires increasingly complex standards. In addition to athlete readiness, infrastructure must meet the technical specifications set by international sports governing bodies, including high-grade broadcast lighting systems, athlete recovery facilities, accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), as well as the integration of digital technology for competition management and live broadcasting.
Therefore, he shared, “The MCYS, through the Department of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Public Works Department, is implementing phased upgrades to sports infrastructure under the National Development Plan (RKN). These efforts include upgrading the Mumong Sports Complex, the National Tennis Centre, as well as other key facilities including the National Swimming Pool, lawn bowls facility, and petanque courts.
“These efforts aim to ensure that the country’s sports facilities meet international standard and technical specifications required for hosting large-scale sporting events in the future.”
To ensure success on the international stage, he emphasised, “The ministry continues to strengthen the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) pathway. Elite athletes are also provided with comprehensive sports science support through the Sports Medicine and Research Centre (SMRC), covering aspects such as fitness, nutrition, and mental preparation.”
He continued, “Exposure to overseas competitions, high -performance training, and assistance schemes such as the Elite Athletes Programme continue to be enhanced. For team sports, strengthening domestic leagues such as football, futsal and sepak takraw serves as a key platform to ensure the continuous development of talent who are competitive to represent the country in the international stage.”
The initiative to revive the Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) is also under consideration as a platform for talent development and wider, more balanced mass participation.
In conclusion, the organisation of sporting events and athlete development are two elements that complement one another. The nation’s capacity as a credible host country will be further strengthened through international cooperation in technical fields, coach certification, and the training of officials.
He said, “With strong support from government agencies, the private sector, sports associations, and all levels of society, Brunei Darussalam will continue to progress in enhancing athletes’ performance while strengthening the nation’s standing on the international sporting stage.”
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
