Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan and Deputy President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council Haji Mohd Zamri bin Dato Paduka Haji Hamdani during the ceremony. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Haji Mohd Zamri delivers a speech. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Opportunities should not be wasted, as it determines athletes’ future in facing high-level championships, said His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC) yesterday in a sabda delivered by Deputy President of the BDNOC Haji Mohd Zamri bin Dato Paduka Haji Hamdani.
He delivered this during the national flag handing ceremony for the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games 2025.
His Royal Highness, who couldn’t attend the ceremony, also said that “the participation of female athletes is in line with Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council’s strategic plan for women in sports to promote women’s participation in sports in an inclusive manner, and in turn, provide opportunities for the empowerment of women in sports, while also ensuring gender balance in sports”.
His Royal Highness also reminded the athletes and officers of the contingent to stay away from prohibited substances and to comply with anti-doping acts and regulation enforced by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and always uphold the responsibilities diligently and perfectly, while demonstrating a high level of discipline.
His Royal Highness hoped that the athletes will take the opportunities of competing in the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 to raise the quality of competition and display high fighting spirits when facing their opponent as this is the opportunity for the athletes to compete against athletes from Islamic countries.
His Royal Highness reminded officers and coaches of the contingent to make sure and maintain safety of the country’s athletes from mental and physical disruption, and abuse, like the goal of safeguarding athlete protection, which the BDNOC always takes seriously.
The ceremony also commended the selection of three female athletes representing Brunei Darussalam in the upcoming 6th Islamic Solidarity Games 2025, demonstrating the country’s commitment of promoting women’s participation and leadership in sports. – James Kon
