SINTOK: Over 8,000 participants participated in the 2024 Kedah State-Level National Sports Day (HSN), held at the grounds of the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Convocation Fair.
The event featured 30 exciting activities, which included a Fun Run, running competitions, cycling events, and a variety of other sports activities.
HSN is a national programme that is observed each year on the second Saturday of October.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, said that National Sports Day serves as an important initiative aimed at encouraging the public to engage in more physical activity and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
According to him, the main goal of HSN is to inspire the people to become fitness enthusiasts and embrace a healthy way of living.
He added that the programme also aims to foster unity and love among citizens through sports and recreation.
“Sports is not just for leisure and recreation, but also an industry capable of driving economic growth.
“For instance, the football sports industry in England is a major contributor to the country’s economy,” he said while officiating the Kedah State-Level National Sports Day at grounds of the UUM Convocation Fair.
He also thanked the organisers and all participants who took part in the 2024 Kedah State-Level National Sports Day.
“We greatly appreciate the significant turn out, as it demonstrates our collective commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said.
Later, he launched the official opening gimmick before continuing with a walkabout of the HSN event, during which he visited various booths at the venue.
Among interesting activities during HSN included the HSN x FM Fun Ride (30km), the Run for the Nation x FM Fun Run (5km), and the Madani Stroll x FM Fun Walk (3km).
Also in attendance were the member of the Kedah State Executive Council, Mr. Mohammad Radhi Md Din, representing the Kedah Menteri Besar; Kedah State Secretary, Dato’ Seri Norizan Khazali; the Kedah Police Chief, Dato’ Fisol Salleh; Director of the Federal Development Office of Kedah State and Chairman of the Kedah State Level National Sports Day Organising Committee, Mdm. Zaiton Yahya, and UUM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, representing the UUM Vice-Chancellor.
