Official Website of Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council
NEWS & EVENTS
A nation on their shoulders
Sunday, November 6, 2011


His Royal Highness Prince Hj
Sufri Bolkiah (L), the president
of the Brunei Darussalam National
Olympic Council (BNOC),during
an interview with The Brunei
Times reporter Yee Chun Leong (R)
yesterday.Picture:BT/ Yusri Adanan

The weight of the country's expectations is all on the shoulders of the national athletes boarding the plane to Indonesia next week.

His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, the President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BNOC), is hoping for a successful outing from the athletes competing in the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia from Nov 11-22.

HRH is optimistic and expressed hope that the nation's athletes can deliver and return with medals from the biennial event.

"I don't know (how many gold medals) but I just hope that they do well there," said HRH when asked about his expectations after a flag handing ceremony at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas yesterday.

"As for the target of medals, it doesn't matter what colour as long as they return with medals. They (the athletes) must be in high spirit to fight to get it," HRH added.

The athletes have gone through a stringent selection process by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports' national selection and evaluation committee.

All are deserving of their place and the national Olympic council president believes that they are capable of bringing glory to the country.

"Hard to say (which sport has the best prospect of winning gold medals). They are all very good and they are all very able. One thing is that they have to fight hard and be focused. They need to be mentally tough and be strong in concentration. Hopefully they can get a medal," said HRH.

The only self-funded team, the national Under-23 football team whose tab will be picked up by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) began their campaign yesterday in Jakarta.

Asked if other sports can follow suit, in terms of representing Brunei for future competitions outside of the country, HRH replied: "Yes, if football can do it. The last time equestrian also did the same thing. Why not?

"But you have to first pass the fitness test which is to be 85 per cent and above then they can go," he added.

HRH highlighted the importance of discipline after one of the national 10-pin bowlers was dropped from the squad for disciplinary issues, while also revealing that another Shorinji Kempo athlete will not be heading for the Games after picking up an injury.

Courtesy from Brunei Times