Abdul Karim calls for joint efforts in talent development for swimming, diving

ASAJAYA: Efforts to empower talent development, especially in the field of swimming and diving in this country, are not solely the responsibility of the federal government.

Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that these efforts should be undertaken by all parties, including the state government.

“I agree with the recommendation of (federal) Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh, that the responsibility to develop sports should not only rest with the federal government but also with the state government.

“This is because it involves the dignity of the country. Without the support and assistance of the state government, it is impossible for the federal government and sports associations to produce athletes who can bring fame to the country up to the Olympic level,” he said.

He mentioned this to reporters after completing the Qurban meat distribution programme at the Kampung Asajaya Ulu Community Hall yesterday.

Previously, the Ministry of Youth and Sports urged all state governments to invest in new talent development to produce more athletes in swimming and diving.

Yeoh had noted that, so far, only Sabah and Sarawak have significantly invested in the development of these two sports.

“We see that diving is a sport that yields many medals for Malaysia. Currently, only Sabah and Sarawak invest heavily in coaches and the development of new talent,” she said.

In response, Abdul Karim welcomed the suggestion and called for all parties to play their respective roles in further empowering the development of new sports talent in Sarawak and Malaysia.

He emphasised that efforts need to start at the lower levels, such as in primary schools, and it is the state government’s responsibility to ensure that new talents are nurtured.

“From the school level, we can identify new talents and educate them to reach higher levels.

“In Sarawak, we consistently strive to develop sports athletes. That is why we have the Sarawak Youth and Sports Complex in Kuching, which I dare say is the largest in Malaysia.

“In fact, we are also working on building a velodrome, as that is the only facility we currently lack. Additionally, Sarawak is keen to host Sukma (Malaysia Games), despite other states’ reluctance due to economic issues,” he said.