MALAYSIAâs challenge in the 29th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur 2017 begins on Thursday (10 Aug 2017) with the handing over of Jalur Gemilang by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak to the Malaysian contingent at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
Witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister YB Brig Jen Khairy Jamaluddin, Dato’ Sri Najib handed over the national flag to chef-de-mission, Datuk Marina Chin.
Former track queen Datuk Marina then handed over the Jalur Gemilang to silat exponent Mohd Al Jufferi Jumari , Keirin world champion Azizulhasni Awang (track cycling) and reigining world champion Cheong Jun Hoong (diving). The trio have been named as Malaysiaâs flag bearer for the biennial Games.
YAB Datuk Seri Najib, in his speech, said that the Malaysian contingent have all the qualities needed to shine in the Games and hoped Malaysia will emerge as overall champions as it will be a gift for the upcoming 60th National Day celebration.
YAB Datuk Seri Najib also presented the Jalur Gemilang to the national Paralympic contingent who will be competing in the 9th ASEAN Para Games from Sept 17-23. Chef de Mission Dato’ R. Subramaniam received the flag from YAB Datoâ Sri Najib.
Discuss thrower Mohd Irfan Samsudin led the 800-strong Games bound contingent at the oath taking ceremony.
Also present were Olympic Council Malaysia president, Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Jaafar, Paralympic Council of Malaysia Malaysia president SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin and Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Dato’ M.Saravanan.
Malaysia will be representd by 874 athletes and 390 officials, whoare down to compete in 38 sports, the largest ever in the history of the Games.
This is the sixth-time Malaysia played host to the biggest games in South-east Asia regional games after 1965, 1971, 1977, 1989 and 2001.
Malaysia last hosted the SEA Games in 2001, emerging champions with a collection of 111 gold medals.
