Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

Dato’ Mohd Yasin Mohd Salleh“Malaysia hasexcelled in sportsin the past. Nodoubt we can dobetter but we mustacknowledge thosewho have trainedand worked hardin making Malaysiaproud”two years saw Malaysia leading in 1989 with 67 gold medals. We improved furtherwith 111 gold medals in 2001.Datuk Nicol Ann David created history by becoming the first player to retain thegold medal in squash in the 2009 World Championship in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, on July24 this year. She was also the winner in the CIMB Malaysia Open Championshipsfor five consecutive years.Athletes like Lee (badminton), Nur Suryani Taibi (shooting), Leong Mun Yee (diving),Yeoh Ken Nee (diving) and Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim (weightlifting) have succeededin their fields as predicted.These achievements show that we have made the cut and we can make it with thewill and spirit to make our country proud each time we hit the tracks, pools andcourts. That will and pride need to be instilled in the youth and in our schools.But it is not only about the medals and the wins. It cannot be only about theglory. It is about making 27 million people proud. It is about carving a place ofprominence for Malaysia globally. It is also about our own inner growth throughthe endurance and strength demanded by sports. This responsibility does not liewith the Government and schools alone. It lies with all those who want to bepart of Malaysia and its future. If we have this in our minds, we will ensure that wetrain our children to be good sportsmen and women. Malaysia will, in that instance,regain its glory again.135