The Sabah government remains committed to strengthening school sports as a platform for discovering young talent and nurturing a disciplined, competitive and well-rounded generation, State Education, Science and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib said.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Kota Marudu District Schools Sports Council (MSSD) Athletics Championships, James said school sporting events play a vital role not only in fostering healthy competition but also in developing athletes capable of representing Sabah and Malaysia on the international stage.
His speech was delivered by his political secretary, Justinus Jalang.
James said the government’s 1 Murid 1 Sukan (1M1S) policy would continue to be enhanced to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate in at least one sporting activity.
He added that sports development should go hand in hand with advances in science, technology and innovation to improve athletic performance.
According to him, the application of sports science, nutrition, sports psychology, performance analysis and modern training technologies is essential in producing high-performing athletes.
James also stressed the importance of providing equal opportunities for students in both urban and rural areas to participate in sports development programmes.
He encouraged young athletes to compete with integrity, discipline and good sportsmanship, expressing confidence that tournaments such as the MSSD Athletics Championships would help produce future representatives for Kota Marudu, Sabah and Malaysia.
He said he hopes the competition will serve as a stepping stone for athletes to compete at higher levels, including the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games.
