KUALA LUMPUR: In a bid to turn Malaysia into a sporting and Âhealthier nation, the Government has declared the second Saturday of October every year as National Sports Day.
The inaugural National Sports Day, which aims to attract about three million Malaysians, will be observed on Oct 10.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the 2015 National Sports Day here yesterday and lauded the Ministry of Youth and Sports for its initiative.
âWe have all kind of celebrations â Teacherâs Day, Police Day and Nursing Day â but this National Sports Day is one of a kind.
âThatâs because it involves mass participation, not by thousands but millions of Malaysians. We have seen how sports has played an important role in helping in nation building,â he said.
Najib was convinced the Âcelebrations would also serve a major boost for competitive sports.
âOur population is almost the same as Australiaâs, but itâs obvious we are way behind them in sports,â stressed Najib.
âBut it doesnât mean we are not capable. We have produced Âchampions like (former) world badminton No.1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Asiaâs fastest man Datuk M. Jegathesan, the glorious Malaysian team of the 60s, world squash champion Nicol David and many others.â
Najib also called on Malaysians to practise a healthy lifestyle.
âChronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart attack can be avoided if we all pick up a healthy lifestyle,â added Najib.
âThis is what the National Sports Day is trying to put emphasis on. Do get involved.
âGod willing, I will take part, too.
âAnd if I can participate, there is no reason why you cannot.â – Thestar.com.my
