KOTA KINABALU: Four athletes from Sabah will represent Malaysia at the 21st Asian U20 Athletics Championship 2024, held in Dubai, UAE, for four days starting on April 24.
This was stated by Sabah Athletics Association president Mohamat Hassan during a courtesy call to the Sabah Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Ellron Angin, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports office here.
The four Sabah athletes are Dexter Beddie (100M/4x100M), Hanssen Yap Soon Fu (100M/4x100M), Pengiran Aidil Auf Bin Hajam (200M/4×100), and Muhammad Khalil Bin Helmi (400M).
They will compete in the championship alongside 12 other qualified young athletes from across the country.
Ellron mentioned that to facilitate the travel arrangements for the athletes to the championship, financial assistance will be provided through the annual grant allocated to the association.
Furthermore, his ministry hopes that these four athletes will achieve success and make the people of Sabah proud of their accomplishments.
When asked by the media about their feelings and preparations for the upcoming international championship, Hanssen Yap, the 100-metre champion of the Sabah Games 2023, said he would do his best when competing.
Meanwhile, his teammate in the 4×100 quartet, Dexter Bedie, expressed his joy at being selected to represent the country at the championship.
“I am very happy because I have always had a goal of competing in international championships, and I hope to bring back a medal,” said Dexter.
As for Khalil, when asked, he mentioned that he has been eagerly waiting to participate in this championship and hopes to achieve his personal best record in the event.
All three of them are ready to face this championship, having prepared meticulously with both mental and physical readiness.
All Sabah athletes are expected to depart for Kuala Lumpur on April 21 before flying to Dubai with the national contingent.
Present during the courtesy visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sabah, Datuk Mansur Asun, the Director of the Sabah State Sports Council, Tuan Mohd Asneh bin Mohd Noor, as well as the parents of the athletes.
