• Today: September 16, 2026

Success comes through support behind every athlete: Minister

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council graced the national flag handover ceremony at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Monday for Brunei Darussalam’s contingent to the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan 2026.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha said the success of an athlete never comes through individual effort alone.

Behind every achievement are coaches who provide guidance, officials who oversee the athletes’ welfare and preparations, as well as families who continuously provide their support and prayers, he said.

“Brunei’s participation is both a trust and an honour. You are not attending merely as athletes, coaches or officials, but as one team carrying the name and representing the nation of Brunei Darussalam. Therefore, work together as one team, supporting and trusting one another,” the minister added.

“Give your full attention to the needs of the athletes throughout their stay in Japan. Ensure that they are not only physically and technically prepared, but also equipped with the confidence and mental resilience to cope with the pressures of competition. The welfare, safety and health of every athlete must always remain a priority,” said Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary.

Addressing the athletes, he shared, “When you step onto the competition venue, compete with confidence and courage. Give your very best in return for all the training, sacrifices and preparations you have undertaken. Demonstrate the highest level of performance, maintain your determination and resolve until the end of every competition, and remain steadfast in facing any challenges that may arise.”

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, hands over the national flag. PHOTO: JAMES KON
His Royal Highness interacting with the contingent. PHOTO: JAMES KON

“Let discipline and good character be your shield throughout your stay. Uphold the good name of the nation, respect the customs and regulations of the host country, and foster a spirit of friendship and camaraderie with athletes from around the world. Remember that the contingent uniform that you wear and the national flag that you carry are symbols of the glory and image of Brunei Darussalam. Carry the flag with pride, and do so with a strong sense of responsibility,” the minister said. 

Brunei Darussalam will be sending a 12-member contingent comprising six athletes and six officials to compete in the upcoming 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya, Japan 2026. The six athletes, consisting of five male athletes and one female athlete, will compete  in karate (one athlete) and wushu (five athletes).

Following a sabda, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah handed over the national flag to Chef de Mission of Brunei Darussalam’s contingent to the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya, Japan 2026 Nur Iffah Natasha Sofea binti Abdullah.

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim and representative of the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam Miura Keiko, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Aliuddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah, and Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Hajah Noridah binti Abdul Hamid were present. 

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah in a group photo. PHOTO: JAMES KON

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON

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