Sabah discovers new talentsSTORY AND PHOTOS BY NORMIMIE DIUN
The inaugural Borneo Games was a resounding success for Sabah as the host state emerged overall champions, and the events helped unearth many new talents.
SHUTTLE SUPREMACY: Sabah's Stanley Savio (front) and Tan Chew Kiet in action during the badminton Men's Doubles against Brunei.
As some of the competitors were youngsters from the various Sabah sports teams, the Games gave valuable exposure for them in preparation for next years Sukan Malaysia in Kedah.
Kedah, which is Sukma 2006 host, made a guest appearance at the five-day event held mostly at Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex recently.
Sabah chef-de-mission Datuk Herman Tiongsoh received the Borneo Games trophy from Brunei Darussalam Youth and Sport Minister Major Jeneral (B) Datuk Seri Pahlawan Awang Mohammad Daud.
Sabah collected 28 gold, 24 silver and 15 bronze medals for a total of 312 points, while Sarawak was second with 208 points from 18 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals.
Brunei was in third place with 154 points with their tally of seven gold, 11 silver and 17 bronze medals while Labuan came in last, pocketing two silver and two bronze medals to muster 38points.
Kedah won three gold, four silver and five bronze but were not counted in the standings as they were an invitational team to the Games that involved 10 sports and one traditional game.
Sabahs gold medals came through a haul of 11 in athletics, two from the men and women football, mens hockey, sepak takraw, seven from badminton and two from boxing.
Though they grabbed a total of eight gold medals in the ring, only two were counted for the overall standings.
The hosts ruled the track and field competitions, winning 11 gold medals of the 21 at stake, along with eight silver and nine bronze medals.
Fourteen-year old Feldeniah Lok Kassim from Kudat claimed the gold medal in the womens 200m with a time of 26.7 secs and was among the bright sparks that Tiongsoh spoke off. Asrenny Asik won Sabah two gold medals in the discus and shot putt.
Sarawaks gold haul came from womens hockey, seven from bowling and the rest from track and field.
The five-day Games came to an end with cultural songs and dances and the next Borneo Games will be held in Kuching in 2007.
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