KOTA KINABALU: Four Sabah athletes will be representing Malaysia at the 21st Asian U20 Athletics Championship 2024 in Dubai.
Sabah Athletics Association president Mohamat Hassan said the four Sabahans — Dexter Beddie, Hanssen Yap Soon Fu, Pengiran Aidil Auf Hajam and Muhammad Khalil Helmi — will take part in the event between April 24 and 27.
"They will compete in the championship alongside 12 other qualified young athletes from across the country," he was quoted in a statement after paying a courtesy visit to Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin's office.
Yap, who is the 100m Champion of Sabah Games 2023, said he would do his best when competing.
His teammate in the 4x100 quartet, Dexter, expressed his joy at being selected in the shortlist of athletes representing the country at the championship.
"I am very happy because I have always aimed to compete in international championships, and I hope to bring back a medal," said Dexter.
Ellron said the ministry would facilitate the travel arrangements and financial assistance for these athletes through annual grants allocated to the associations.
He also wished the four athletes to achieve success and make the people of Sabah proud of their accomplishments.
Also present during the courtesy visit were the ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mansur Asun, Sabah State Sports Council director Mohd Asneh Mohd Noor and the parents of the athletes.
