DILI, 05 may 2022 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, urged Timorese athletes, who will be departing for Hanoi-Vietnam Sea Games to focus on training for the competition.
“You will see skyscrapers and experience a different atmosphere. Thus, forget about having fun and focus on training. Keep your discipline, and rest well to retain your stamina and fitness to be able to compete well in the competition,” Ruak said in front of the athletes at the Government Palace, early today.
He stressed that it’s time for Timor-Leste to focus on competing rather than just participating in the event: “Talking about competition means training, investment, and ensuring quality.”
Prime Minister expressed his appreciation after being informed that the majority of the athletes were selected through Timor-Leste’s national competition.
“You are the best of the best to represent Timor-Leste in the upcoming Sea Games competition. You will shoulder the national responsibility to represent Timor-Leste in this competition. On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, I wish you all the best,” he said.
Ruak also called on the athletes to identify their weaknesses in the competition and use their mistakes as opportunities to grow stronger and become better.
“You need to compete and do your best. Failure is an opportunity. It’s a chance to reevaluate and come back stronger in the next competition,” he said.
At the same place, the State Secretary of Youth and Sports (SEJD), Abrão Saldanha, revealed that Timor-Leste would compete in seven different types of sports, at the may 12 Sea Games Competition.
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“We will compete in Athletics, Football, Karate, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Swimming, and Boxing,” he said.
He added a football team of 25 members had departed for Vietnam last month to prepare for the competition: “And we have another 13 athletes, including a number of trainers and officers will also leaving for Vietnam, on monday.”
SEA Games 31 will officially kick off on may 12, 2022.
Hanoi Times reported that the sporting event featuring 40 sports with 520 medal events will be held in Hanoi and other 11 provinces and cities, including Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Bac Giang, Haiphong, Quang Ninh, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
