His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC), officiated the National Flag Handover Ceremony to the Brunei Darussalam contingent for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Following a Sabda, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah handed over the national flag to Chef de Mission of Brunei’s Contingent Pengiran Siti Amal Jariah binti Pengiran Haji Matjinen.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha said every drop of sweat shed in competition is a testament to dedication and perseverance, and one that will undoubtedly make the nation proud.

The minister said this while extending his congratulations to the athletes selected to represent Brunei Darussalam for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, during the National Flag Handover Ceremony to the Brunei Darussalam contingent at Bilik Hijau of Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday morning.

While pursuing excellence performance in sports, he also emphasised to “always conduct yourselves with integrity and safeguard the good name of the country. Beyond the field of play, you are ambassadors of Brunei Darussalam. Demonstrate exemplary discipline, abide by all rules and regulations, and avoid any matters that could tarnish the nation’s image”.

To all the athletes, he shared, “use this participation as both an opportunity and a challenge to continue raising your performance through strong physical and mental preparation, as well as unwavering self-confidence. Give your very best to achieve your highest potential.”

Brunei Darussalam will be sending a 12-member contingent, comprising six athletes (three female athletes) and six officials, to compete in the athletic, swimming, and weightlifting events at the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

In swimming, National swimmer Joel Ling Thai Yu will be competing in the Men’s 100FR, 100BC, 200BC events, while Hayley Wong Ann Yue will be contesting in Women’s 50FR, 100FR, 50Fly events, and Sharmeen binti Mohammad Marvin will be participating in Women’s 50FR, 50BC, 100BC.

National athlete Muhd Nazul Putera Faeiz Firdaous will be taking part in the Men’s 100m event in athletic, while Nur Syafiqah binti Abdullah Muhammad Mukhlis will be competing in Women’s 100m. Meanwhile, national weightlifter Mohammad Nashrul bin Haji Abu Bakar will be competing in the Men’s U65kg.

Acting British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ken O’Flaherty, as well as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Aliuddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Hajah Noridah binti Abdul Hamid, members of the National Athlete Selection and Evaluation Executive Committee, representatives of the National Sports Associations; MCYS senior officials; and family members of the athletes were also present.

The Commonwealth Games is among the world’s most prestigious international multi-sport events, following the Olympic Games and the Asian Games. Held once every four years, the 23rd Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

Brunei Darussalam first participated in the Commonwealth Games in 1990. The country’s most recent participation was at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England. The Brunei Darussalam contingent is scheduled to depart for Glasgow, Scotland, on July 19 and July 21, 2026. – James Kon

Courtesy from Borneo Bulletin