National Sports Day 2024 Celebrated Throughout The States In MADANI Spirit Of Unity

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The 2024 National Sports Day (HSN) was celebrated with gusto in raising the spirit of sports throughout the country through activities that unite the communities regardless of background.

The HSN celebration was introduced in 2015 with the aim of popularising a sports culture among the community through the practice of a healthy and active lifestyle towards a sporting nation.

In KEDAH, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail officiated the state celebration at Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, with more than 11,000 participants engaging in activities including a three-kilometre (km) fun run and a five-km bicycle ride as early as 7 am today.

Saifuddin said in his speech that sports activities not only raise the meaning of unity because it involves various strata of society, but it can also be perceived as an industry.

“The participation of various agencies and parties also shows that the objective of organising HSN has been achieved,” said Saifuddin who was accompanied by Kedah Youth and Sports exco Muhamad Radhi Mat Din.

In PENANG, more than 10,000 people of all races and ages participated in sports activities held at Padang Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth.

State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said HSN 2024 at Penang level was not just to fuel the spirit of sports but also acts as a platform to foster the spirit of unity between all strata of society.

“Interesting activities suitable for all ages include the 10-km cycling event, the 10-km Run for the Nation and the 5-km fun walk, and there is also the Wira Muda Academy Under-12 Soccer Clinic, Aero Jamm and a KEMAS carnival,” he said after officiating HSN 2024 today.

In addition, folk games such as congkat, terompah gergasi (giant clogs), tarik upih, dam haji (checkers), coconut bowling, sepak raga tuju (contest), kabaddi, Himpunan Waja Diri, sale of sports goods and food were also held at HSN Penang.

Meanwhile in PERAK, 8,000 people participated in HSN 2024 activities at the Perak Youth and Sports Complex which was officiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

This year Perak is targeting a total of 42,000 people at the district celebration of HSN 2024, which is filled with activities like cycling, running and aerobics involving participants from all walks of life.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, some 5,000 participants took part in a ‘Run, Rise and Walk' event at D'Tempat Country Club in Sendayan at 7.30 am.

State Youth and Sports Development Committee chairman, Mustapha Nagoor said various activities in conjunction with HSN 2024, starting today until Oct 13, including recreational sports, a Madani Ria Walk, Run for the Nation, Fun Ride Fun Race, Fit Malaysia Run, Aerobicthon, Pickleball competition, Aerobic dance competition, Tabata and many more.

The son of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tunku Zain Al-'Abidin Tuanku Muhriz inaugurated the state HSN 2024 celebration today.

In TERENGGANU, the Ministry of Education's fitness programme for HSN 2024 took place at the state sports complex in Gong Badak, with the attendance of over 5,000 participants from all walks of life.

The programme, which was officiated by Education director-general Azman Adnan featured various fitness and sports activities including running and cycling, jump rope and traditional sports.

Azman said in addition to ensuring that pupils and students are encouraged to be active in all sports to remain healthy, such programmes can unearth the potential of students in various sports.

-- BERNAMA