His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC) during the sabda. PHOTOS: RAFI ROSLI
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC), on Monday commended a national weightlifting athlete for successfully qualifying for the men’s under-65 kilogramme event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
In his sabda during the National Flag Handover Ceremony for the Brunei Darussalam contingent, His Royal Highness said the achievement should inspire other national athletes to continue striving for qualification, not only for the Commonwealth Games but also for other major international sporting events, including the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games and Asian Games.
His Royal Highness also reminded all athletes and officials representing Brunei Darussalam in Glasgow to uphold the highest standards of discipline throughout the Games in order to safeguard the country’s good name and reputation.
Addressing the athletes, His Royal Highness said, “I encourage you to compete with determination, unwavering spirit and the desire to achieve excellence. Do not regard your participation as merely attending the Games. Instead, give your fullest focus, commitment and dedication in every competition. I believe this mindset will be a key driving force towards excellence, and I urge you to make the most of this opportunity to demonstrate your abilities on the international stage.”
His Royal Highness noted that this year’s contingent includes three female athletes and a female Chef de Mission, reflecting Brunei Darussalam’s continued commitment to promoting women’s participation in sport and achieving gender balance in sports development, in line with the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council’s Strategic Plan for Women in Sport.
His Royal Highness also stressed the importance of athlete safeguarding, reminding team officials and coaches that the wellbeing, safety and welfare of athletes must remain a top priority throughout the Commonwealth Games.
He said athlete safeguarding is an area that the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council takes very seriously.
Brunei Darussalam will send a contingent of six athletes, including three women, to compete in swimming, athletics and weightlifting at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. They will be accompanied by three officials and three coaches.
