THE 2009 National Age Group athletics meet closed with a bang at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Sunday unearthing numerous new talents.

Organised by the Brunei Darussalam Athletics Association (BDAA), a total of 80 athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 from the Kuala Belait (KB), Tutong and Bandar Youth and Sports Athletics Schemes as well as both the KB's and Bandar's Chung Hwa Middle Schools took part in the one-day competition.

The annual event was divided into the boys' Under-18 and Under-15 categories and the girls' Under-18 and Under-15 groups.

Three athletes Md Izzuddin Hj Kassim, Amirul Haziq Md Shahrin and Maziah Mahusin shone bright in their events.

Md Izzudin was named the Under-15 best sprinter after bagging gold medals in the 100 metres, 200m and 400m races.

He clocked a time of 11.9 seconds in the 100m and 24.62s and 60.07s in the 200m and 400m respectively.

Meanwhile, Amirul Haziq claimed the Under-15 best middle distance athlete after winning the 800m and 1,500m events.

Both boys, aged 14, are under the supervision of Mohd Shah Johan Hj Shari.

Maziah, meanwhile, claimed gold in the 100m hurdles, 100m and 200m events. She is coached by Dario de Rosas.

Mohd Shah said that the event was part of BDAA's annual programme and was used as preparation for future competitions like the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games, Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) or Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Present as guest of honour to give out the prizes to winners was the president of the Brunei Darussalam Athletics Association, Major Md Talip Hj Tahir.

Courtesy from Brunei Times