His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC), yesterday reminded national athletes to always maintain their discipline.
His Royal Highness, in his sabda at the national flag handing over ceremony to the Brunei contingent competing in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, said, “Even though you are an athlete with the potential to win medals, without discipline, everything is meaningless and sooner or later it will destroy oneself.”
His Royal Highness also highlighted that the national athletes’ assessment and selection committee would not hesitate in not supporting any athlete who has no discipline.
His Royal Highness also congratulated national athletes who were selected to represent Brunei Darussalam in the 19th Asian Games. The selected athletes are from wushu, weightlifting and karate, comprising five male and six female athletes.
His Royal Highness believed that the athletes would give their best and display an excellent performance during the Asian Games.
Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad also reminded the athletes and contingent members to be in their best behaviour.
“Always provide cooperation to all parties and avoid taking prohibited substances or drugs that may result in the athlete being suspended from competing and thereby tarnishing the good name of the country,” he said.
Held at Digadong Hall of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the highlight of the ceremony was His Royal Highness handing over the national flag to Chef de Mission of Brunei contingent Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim, who is the Director of Youth and Sports.
The Sultanate is sending 21 members to the Asian Games, comprising 11 athletes and 10 officials.
The Brunei contingent will travel to Hangzhou, China, in stages starting today. – James Kon
