THE traditional game of gasing, or top spinning, must be carried on for future generations by encouraging youth to take part in gasingactivities, according to the village head of Kg Jerudong.
Speaking on the sidelines during yesterday’s Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebration at Jerudong Primary School, Hj Mohd Rais Hj Ishak told The Brunei Times that gasing has seen a gradual revival since the year 2000.
“It’s good to see that people are getting involved in gasing again because this will ensure that it carries on for future generations to enjoy our traditional games as well,” he said.
“We have over 20 youths in this village playing gasing…This is a good start in increasing its popularity again because the youth must carry on this local tradition for future generations,” he said.
Hj Mohd Rais said the village organises annual competitions for residents to take part as a step in promoting the game.
“We want to encourage the youth to play by taking part in these competitions because it will teach them and instil an interest in our traditional culture,” he added.
He also highlighted that inspiring the youth to play gasing could also start at a young age and encouraged parents to teach and expose children to Brunei’s culture.
“If you are exposed to something at a young age, it becomes a future hobby that will be passed on for generations,” he said.
“Adults play this game too, and I hope they will teach their children to play this because it’s a big game in our tradition,” added Hj Mohd Rais.
He said the game could also prevent youths from becoming involved in negative activities.
“People need to be involved in activities, sports and games because they’ll be spending their time well instead of not doing anything, which may lead to negative activities.”
He added that holding gasing activities in schools could also promote the game to students. During the Hari Raya celebration, Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Awg Othman was present to hand over a cash donation to 27 orphans residing in Kg Jerudong. The minister also handed out awards to six students from Jerudong Primary School and Jerudong Religious School for educational achievements.