KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Day (HSN 2025) was celebrated in high spirits across the country today, with various activities held to promote a healthy lifestyle and foster love for sports and recreational activities among Malaysians.
In PERAK, the national-level celebration took place at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah in Ipoh, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The event attended by around 10,000 participants was also graced by Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad; Youth and Sports Minister, Hannah Yeoh; and Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
For the first time, the national-level event that is now in its tenth year was held outside the Klang Valley, featuring various fitness activities, including the MADANI fun run, cycling event, and the ‘Sports for All’ awards.
In PERLIS, the state-level celebration at Dataran Dato’ Sheikh Ahmad in Kangar was launched by Human Resources Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong.
In his opening speech, Sim encouraged everyone to make time for sports activities as part of a healthy lifestyle for personal well-being, which can contribute to building a strong nation.
“I’m the minister in charge of workers, so I always say, if we want our country, our state, and our people to be strong, then our workers must be strong. For that, workers need to engage in sports,” he said.
In TERENGGANU, the state-level event at the Gong Badak Sports Complex in Kuala Nerus attracted more than 8,000 participants and was officiated by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Adam Adli Abdul Halim.
Among the activities held were the 30-kilometre (km) MADANI cycling event, fun run, archery challenge, lawn bowling for veterans and persons with disabilities (PwD), taekwondo carnival, and tug-of-war contest, which was a crowd favourite.
In KEDAH, over 11,000 visitors arrived as early as 7:00 am to join the state celebration at Alor Setar Mall, which featured 36 fitness and health activities.
Youth and Sports Ministry’s Secretary-General, Datuk Dr K. Nagulendran, flagged off participants for the MADANI cycling, fun run, and fun walk activities, which were open to all age groups.
Meanwhile, in JOHOR, HSN 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm, with the attendance of more than 10,000 participants at Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) in Pasir Gudang.
The programme started as early as 6:00 am with various sports and fitness activities involving people from all walks of life.
In KELANTAN, the event was held in Kota Bharu, officiated by Youth and Sports Ministry’s Deputy Secretary-General (Management), Abdullah Hassan.
Abdullah said HSN raises awareness about the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle, while also encouraging greater community participation in fostering a holistic sports culture and strengthening the spirit of unity among the people.
In PAHANG, thousands flocked to Dataran Orang Kaya Haji Lipis in Kuala Lipis for the state-level celebration officiated by Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
State Communications and Multimedia, Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Committee Chairman, Fadzli Mohamad Kamal, shared on Facebook that Wan Rosdy also presented the Community Sports Fund (DSK) to 12 sports and recreational clubs in the state during the event.
In MELAKA, the state-level celebration was held at Dataran Orang Kampung, Merlimau, officiated by State Youth, Sports and NGOs Committee Chairman, Datuk VP Shanmugam.
He said that in line with this year’s ‘Active Malaysia’ theme, Melaka hosted over 35 sports events, including iconic traditional games such as Konda Kondi and Dam Aji.
A total of 359,000 participants were expected to be involved in three districts: Jasin, Melaka Tengah and Alor Gajah, over the three-day celebration.
In NEGERI SEMBILAN, more than 2,000 participants attended the celebration officiated by Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, at d’Tempat, Sendayan, Seremban.
Activities held included aerobics, 10-km Malaysia Active run, 5-km MADANI run, 3-km fun walk in traditional attire, e-sports competitions, Muaythai, and skipping competitions from 6:30 am until 5:00 pm.
In LABUAN, the HSN celebration recorded an impressive participation of over 21,000 people, surpassing the initial target of 15,000 participants.
The event held from October 10 to 12 featured 42 sporting and recreational activities organised by various government agencies, private sector entities, schools, sports-based NGOs and youth associations.
Among the events were the Belia Kitani 3-km fun walk, 30-km cycling event, 5-km fun run, kids aerobic challenge, and the Labuan Car Free Day Series 3.
Labuan Corporation’s Chairman, Datuk Husni Mohammad Salleh, said the overwhelming response reflects the growing awareness and enthusiasm among locals for an active and healthy lifestyle. – BERNAMA
