It's time Brunei sports turn professional

Amir Amin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 3, 2010

 

THE year 2009 had seen Brunei won a haul of medals in various regional competitions. Looking forward, it is perhaps time for the Sultanate to introduce a professional system to help our athletes further excel in their events.

The nation had already witnessed what professional athletes could bring to the country in two sports: football and basketball.

Professional football team DPMM FC and basketball team Brunei Barracudas did the nation proud last year.

DPMM FC became the first foreign side to win the Singapore League Cup in June by beating the Singapore Armed Forces 4-3 on penalties.

The Barracudas, meanwhile, beat the Philippine Patriots, the Asean Basketball League (ABL) high-fliers, in Berakas on Dec 13 to become the first Brunei side to ever beat a Philippines team in a competitive basketball match.

Currently most of the athletes in Brunei are semi-professional, treating the sporting aspect of their lives as more of a hobby.

By turning professional, the athletes can devote more time on training to improve their skills, physical condition and experience.

This is how trophies and cups are won.

The question to be asked will then be, what other sports can the Sultanate develop professionally?

Bowling, golf, tennis and cue sports are some that come straight to the mind. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times