Brunei Darussalam's participation in the 1st Asian Youth Games in Singapore marks a historic development in the country's sport. The participation of Brunei junior athletes is important as it served as the launching platform to compete with overseas junior athletes who have more experience and exposure.

This was highlighted by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, the President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council in his Sabda during a flag handing-over ceremony for the Brunei contingent.

His Royal Highness revealed: "An estimated 42 countries in Asia are schedule to take part in the 1st Asian Youth Games that cater especially to youth athletes. In addition, the games also aimed to further strengthen close relationship among the junior athletes in the Asian region."

"Brunei Darussalam will be participating in two events namely athletics and swimming which involved two female athletes only, while the athletes from other participating countries are believed to be well established in their respective fields.

"Therefore we don't place any high hopes or target to win medal. However, the participation of our athletes is very important as a symbol of support for the Olympic Council Asia who is affiliated with the International Olympic Council," HRH added

HRH also said: "The participation of our junior athletes is a golden opportunity for them to test their personal ability and to make use of the experience as a motivation toward other more prestigious games at the regional or international level."

"We must also hope that our athletes will show the true sporting spirit and high competitiveness of never giving up. More importantly is that the athletes must try to increase their achievement and to break their personal record. I also need to remind all athletes not to use prohibited drugs."

The special needs category was sub-divided into six categories where Jarinah Rungging bagged the first prize for the Blind Open.

Meanwhile, Pehin Major General (Rtd) Dato Haji Awang Mohammad bin Haji Daud, the Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said the government has taken strategic steps toward developing a higher level of progress in sports by planning, implementing and monitoring training programmes for athletes with the use of sports science.

HRH Prince Haji Sufri later handed over the national flag to Pg Anak Md Sofian bin Pg Anak Ibrahim, the chef-de-mission of the Brunei contingent to the games from June 29 to July 7.

The two athletes representing Brunei Darussalam are swimmer Amanda Jia Xin Liew who will be participating in the 100m breast-stroke and athlete Dayang Nur Afiqah binti Hj Rozaini who will be contesting in the 100m sprint.

Pg Anak Md Sofian in an interview said: "Our participation this time is to support the Olympic Council of Asia. This is an opportunity to give our young athletes the much needed experience and exposure in regional competitions."

"I hope that our athletes will try their best to better their personal achievement in the games," he added.

Amanda Jia who bagged a silver medal in the recent Arafura Games said: "I will try to gain as much experience as I can in the competition and will give my best."

Dayang Nur Afiqah who was awarded the best female athlete at the recently concluded Junior Sports Festival will be trying to break her personal record. Her personal best record is 12.69sec in the 100m at the Junior Sports Festival.

Courtesy from Borneo Bulletin