Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Boxing Association (SBA) is praised for its role in the development of the sport in the State by the Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
In his speech at the 72nd Mayor Cup Sabah Boxing Championship held at the Damai Multi-purpose Hall here on Sunday, he said he is aware that boxing is one of the sports that has great potential to contribute medals to Sabah, including in the Sukma Games.
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He believed athlete development, tournament organisation, continuous training and support is crucial in strengthening the association.
According to him, the annual grant from the Sabah State Sports Council has helped the tournament to be successfully implemented and they will continue to monitor the association's needs, including considering increasing annual support and grants to expand their development activities throughout the State.
He also said the annual Mayor Cup Championship which has drawn in 153 athletes from 24 teams plays an important chapter in the State's boxing calendar.
“This number of participants proves that boxing in Sabah has strong roots. It also shows that there are many talents at the district level that need to be continuously unearthed, guided and given opportunities to develop.
“To all the district boxing associations and clubs in the state of Sabah, I congratulate you for continuing to actively unearth new talents.
“This is not only a highly anticipated annual competition arena, but also serves as a platform to identify new talents who have the potential to be further developed, including preparations for the Malaysia Cup and the Malaysia Games (Sukma)2026,” he said.
He also paid tribute to SBA president Datuk Orlando Harumal for his decades of leadership.
“I would also like to express my deepest congratulations to the Honorable Datuk Orlando Harumal who has led the Sabah State Boxing Association with full commitment, dedication and visionary leadership since he began serving as secretary in 1971, and subsequently leading the association as president until today.
“His contribution to the development of boxing in Sabah is immense and deserves to be appreciated.
“Leadership like this proves that sports development requires patience, continuity, sacrifice and a deep love for the talents of our youth,” he said.
