Tuaran: More than 5,000 people took part in the State-level National Sports Day (HSN) 2026 at the Padang Istiadat here on Saturday.
Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said residents arrived early and joined the day’s programme.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor officiated at the event.
“What we planned for HSN 2026 was carried out well and the celebration was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor,” said Nizam.
“I am very excited and pleased because the response from Tuaran residents and those from surrounding areas has been very encouraging, with all participants arriving early to join the events we prepared.
“The turnout of more than 5,000 people shows that Sabahans strongly support programmes organised by the government, especially the one held today.
“The symbolism of HSN 2026 is to send a message that sport is very important in life and that a sporting culture must become a habit so that the state and the nation prosper.
“We must make sport a lifelong practice so that our bodies are healthy and our people are healthy, because when the people are healthy, the nation and the State can also run well and prosper.
“The presence of the Chief Minister today also reflects how much the government values an active culture and a sporting lifestyle among Sabahans,” he told reporters.
Nizam hoped all Sabahans, regardless of background or religion, young and old, would come together to make sport a lasting part of daily life.
The programme featured performances including silat by Sabah Malaysia Games (Sukma) athletes, the Sabah state Aerobic Dance championship showcase, the Senamrobik Perdana, and a lucky draw for attendees.
Hajiji joined the Madani Fun Walk together federal and state department heads. The event was further enlivened by the Madani Fun Run, an e-sports competition, children’s games, chess, carom, tug-of-war, lion dance, a penalty shoot-out and a Jualan Rahmah sale.
