Kota kinabalu: The Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to strengthening and advancing the state’s sports sector through the construction and provision of various sports facilities across the state. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized the state government’s dedication to supporting athletes who bring pride to Sabah and Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chief Minister expressed his aspirations for more Sabah athletes to excel on both national and international stages. He highlighted the success of athletes like high jumper Farrel Glen Felix Jerus, silat exponent Merrywati Manuil, archer Evan Rich Chong, and boxer Jonathan John, as evidence of the state’s potential to produce quality sports talent.

Hajiji further noted that the organisation of the Sabah Games (SAGA) demonstrates the government’s ongoing efforts to cultivate new sporting talent within the state. This event not only serves as a platform to identify and nurture future athletes but also aims to develop a robust sporting culture in Sabah.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that SAGA would evolve into a prestigious sporting carnival that encourages community participation and fosters a strong sporting spirit. He urged all SAGA XI participants in Tawau to compete with discipline and sportsmanship, using the event to enhance their performance.

The 11th Sabah Games (SAGA XI) 2025 in Tawau features a total of 9,588 athletes and officials from 30 districts in Sabah, competing in 23 sports and 217 events.