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Sports To Be A Major Agenda In National Development

MELAKA, June 19 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak said Saturday night that sports will be made part of the main agenda in national development because it gives much benefits to the people and country.

He said the government would ensure that sports would not be neglected but would instead become a major national activity.

"I believe success in sports can provide much benefits to the country, the sports industry, the national image as well as to the individuals personally," he said when closing the 13th Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Stadium Hang Jebat, here.

At the 10-day games, defending champion Terengganu was declared as the overall champion for the 13th Sukma when the state swept 47 gold medals, beating 14 other contingents.

Also present at the colourful closing ceremony were the prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

Addressing about 50,000 spectators, the Prime Minister said participation in sports could churn out outstanding and well-balanced human capital in terms of spirit and physique.

As such, he wanted the people to turn sports into their daily culture.

He said that since the Sukma was first held in 1986, it had become a platform to churn out many second line athletes for the country.

Earlier in his speech, Mohd Ali said that as the hosts, the Melaka government thanked everyone who had given their strong commitment to ensure the success of the games.

-- BERNAMA

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