Kota Kinabalu: A total of 3,328 athletes participated in the qualifying rounds of the Sabah Games (Saga) 2023 held over six zones that concluded on Friday.
Tawau with 777 athletes had the most number followed by South West Coast with 643, North West Coast (626), Upper Interior (506), Sandakan (496) and Lower Interior (280).
Netball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, hockey and sepak takraw were contested over the five-day period starting on August 28.
Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan, who was present at Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex on Friday, expressed his satisfaction with the preparation and organisation.
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He also said Saga is able to produce positive results for the state despite the hefty cost.
“Through Saga, we are able to identify more talents or potential champions who will represent Sabah and compete at higher levels, especially at the Malaysian Games (Sukma).
“Although the government have to spend a considerable amount of money to organise Saga, the results were worth it with the emergence of many famous athletes over the years such as Rayzam Shah Wan Sofian, Andre Anura Anuar, Mohd Eizlan Dahalan and many more,” he said.
Also present with the Assistant Minister during his visit were Youth and Sports Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mansur Asun, deputy permanent secretary Charles William Dabbi, Sabah Sports Council director Asneh Mohd Noor and Sabah Sports Board general manager Terrance Pudin.
Meanwhile, Mansur also praised Sabah Sports Council staff and all those who had given their support to ensure the success of the qualifying rounds.
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