KOTA KINABALU: The 16th SEA Youth Athletics Championship in 2024 has been entrusted to the state of Sabah by the Malaysian Sports Union (KOM), as announced by Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, the President of KOM.
This prestigious international championship will see the participation of 11 Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Timor Leste, and Malaysia itself as the host nation.
It is estimated that approximately 500 to 600 athletes from these countries will take part in the championship, with Malaysia expected to send around 100 athletes.
In terms of Sabah’s preparedness as the host, Sabah Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Ellron Angin presented a working paper during the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, highlighting the state government’s approval of a budget of RM12.24 million for the improvement and upgrading of sports facilities at Likas Stadium.
Ellron expressed confidence that the upgrading work will be completed within the designated timeframe and meet the requirements set by the international sports governing body.
The event was attended by Ellron, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Tuan Mohd Asneh bin Mohd Noor (Director of the Sabah State Sports Council), Mr. Terrance Edward Pudin (Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Sports Board), and Mr. Mohamat Bin Hassan (President of the Sabah Sports Association).