PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians should make sports a regular part of their lifestyle – instead of just participating in a one-day sports affair.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said sports is a unifying platform which fosters a spirit of togetherness.

He said this was manifest during the Rio Olympics and Rio Paralympics Games, which saw the nation come together and root for our national athletes.

“Even though we were thousands of miles away, we were standing tall and proud as Malaysians.

“This is because of the success of our athletes, as their achievements inspired us and uplifted Malaysia’s image,” he said during the launch of the second National Sports Day (Hari Sukan Negara) here this morning.

As such, he said it is important for Malaysians to take up sports not just for the day, but for their daily lives. He added that sports also enables Malaysians to boost their patriotism and love for the country.

During the event today, Najib, took part in an aerobics workout together with national athletes such as Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Pandelala Rinong, Ridzuan Puzi and Abdul Latiff Romly.

Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, deputy minister Datuk M.Saravanan and Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

Najib also said that the second National Sports Days had exceeded its estimated participation, with more than 7 million Malaysians taking part across the country.

This qualifies the event for an entry into the Malaysian Guinness Book of Records. National Sports Day is held on every second weekend of the month of October at the national, state, division, district and sub-district levels throughout the country.

It is part of the government’s initiative to promote and inculcate active and healthy lifestyles among Malaysians.

-New Straits Times