The Ministry of Education’s contingent from Sports School Brunei Darussalam returned home victorious after an impressive performance at the 2nd Kinabalu RS Athletics League 2024, held from August 31 to September 1 at the Keningau Sports Complex in Sabah.
The contingent, comprising eight student-athletes, secured a total of four medals—two gold and two bronze.
Among the standout performers were Nurazizatul Shareena binti Ashari and Nur Afroz Dameea binti Md Zainal Areif, who, along with their teammates, clinched gold in the Girls’ 4×100 metres relay for the Under-18 category.
The duo attributed their success to rigorous training, disciplined diet, and consistent prayers. They expressed their aspirations to represent Brunei Darussalam at national and international levels, including the Asian School Games and possibly the Olympics.
Another gold medal was won by Qurratul Ain @ Nur Aida binti Irwan in the Girls’ Long Jump Category for Under-18. She also set a new personal best with a leap of 4.45 metres.
Additionally, Qurratul Ain bagged a bronze in the Girls’ 200-metre Under-15 event with a time of 30.39 seconds. She described the experience of competing against over 2,000 athletes as overwhelming and shared her hope to participate in the 2025 Asian School Games, aiming to win the Brunei Darussalam School Games this year.
Norjoleha binti Johari, who was also part of the gold-winning 4×100 metres relay team, won another bronze in the Girls’ 200 metres Under-18 category, finishing with a time of 30.38 seconds.
The athletes’ achievements were celebrated upon their return to Brunei Darussalam.
Present at Brunei International Airport to welcome the team on Tuesday were Acting Assistant Director, Head of Student Affairs Section, Department of Schools, Ministry of Education Pengiran Ali Shafie bin Pg Haji Abas; Principal of Sports School Hajah Nor Aisah binti Haji Mohd Salleh; Deputy Principal of Sports at Sports School Haji Mohd Azrin bin Haji Aji; and Deputy Academic Principal of Sports School Norjalina binti Haji Jaafar.
The Kinabalu RS Athletics League is one of Sabah’s largest and most prestigious athletics championships, with 2,424 participants from 70 teams across Brunei Darussalam, Sabah, and Sarawak. The Brunei Darussalam Sports School contingent was led by Coach Mohd Yussof bin Yaakub. Their outstanding performance, highlighted by nine personal best records set by six students, has brought pride to Brunei’s athletics community. – FADLEY FAISAL
