Brunei was drawn in a tough group with the likes of Hong Kong and Japan. I have seen how the Brunei U-21 played and I was totally amazed. They dominated the Setia Motors tournament and they easily beat Ivy League by over 30 points in the finals of the tournament. They are fast, agile, focused and they have that extra edge that most local clubs were missing.

Recently the U-21 team competed in 8 matches in Singapore, all friendlies and they had a tremendous record with 8 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. It was good to know that our new appointed national netball coach Thilaka Jinadasa (from Sri Lanka) has made a difference in grooming and building the Brunei U-21 team into a more robust, competitive squad.

Today is the big day because Brunei is hosting the 8th Asian Youth Netball Championship and Brunei will be squaring off against Japan later at 10am after the opening ceremony at 9am at the Indoor Stadium. Of course, the public is more than welcome to support our ladies.

Thilaka Jinadasa, the national head coach of Brunei Under 21 netball team has turn the youth team into a more competitive team

The Under 21 team (in green bibs) played in the finals against IVY League in the recent Setia Motors Netball tournament

The U-21 team was outstanding from start to finish

In yesterday’s interview with Jindasa, she said, “We had a good training session against the Maldives and it was a good run that they were playing agianst a foreign team. We just need to some readjustment for tomorrow’s match. I have a good feeling for our first match and the following day we have another match against Hong Kong will be tougher. I have no idea how the Indian team is and I will be looking at their matches and see how we can strategise.

My target is to be 2nd in the group and it won’t be an easy target and the girls must be very focused and confident. So our objective is to be second in the group. In the other group, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka have been playing for many years. No one would believe if I will target for No.1 in the group. Being number two is achievable if we work very hard.

The Brunei team might not be fielding one of their best player in GS after the injury she received in the Setia Motors tournament. She has recovered from the injury but the head coach wants to be caution of her condition and she hopes to field her in the 2nd game against Hong Kong.”

One of the Singapore netball players

The U-21 Singapore team is one of the favourites of the tournament

One of the Hong Kong players during the practice session

They will take on Brunei on the opening match tomorrow at 10am at the Indoor Stadium

The Brunei U-21 heading off after a training session yesterday

 

Visitors can win night stays in Phuket or Singapore

Yesterday was the official launch of the Boat & Holiday Expo which took place at the Royal Wharf. The event was officiated by Pehin Datu Hj Halbi, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. He then presented the prizes to the winners of the photography competition on Kg Ayer and also the boat design competition.

There was also a demonstration by the World Champion Jet Ski rider, Medhy Menad who was being invited to showcase his stunts in Kg Ayer. Do catch his stunts later at 10am and 3pm at the Royal Wharf. There’s also a rowing machine competition for the public to try out.

For all the public visitors, you can also stand a chance to win a 3 night stay at Marriot Mai Khao Beach Resort at Phuket or a two night stay at Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore or 1 night stay at Orchid Garden Hotel.

So do come over to the Royal Wharf today and check out the Boat & Holiday Expo and today’s the last day!!

The Deputy Minister officiating the launch of the Boat & Holiday Expo at the Royal Wharf

The exhibitors during the launch of the event

The winner of the photography competition – Hj Kahan bin Haji Nasir

Hj Kahan’s winning picture

2nd place winner of the photography competition – Abidin Hj Lamat

Abidin’s picture that came in 2nd place

The third place winner for the photography competition – Hj Tejuddin Hj Sulaiman

Hj Tejuddin’s photo

Poni Divers is one of the partners for the event

World champion Jet Ski rider Medhy Menad performing his stunts in Kg Ayer in front of the Royal Wharf

Check out his demo later at 10am and 2pm at the Royal Wharf

He showcased his stunts during the launch of the event

Extreme parasailing and this is one of a kind especially at Kg Ayer

Adison Marketing Services is one of the joint organisers of the event

A canoe that has pedals.. Interesting.. At GL Extra booth

The guest of honour trying out Kimchi food

He also visited CBTL booth area

He toured the Marine Department booth

The winners and consolation winners of the photography competition

03 is one of the activity partner for the event

He also greeted the working committee of the event

Yves Grosjean’s boat is on display

Have you entered the lucky draw yet?

 

Some of the booths at the Sekolah Menengah Rimba and today is the last day

For diecast collectors, they have a booth selling diecast products