Azizul told to return earlier

AZIZULHASNI Awang has been asked to return earlier from the national elite squad's training base in Melbourne to carry out his role as flag bearer for Malaysia at the KL Sea Games opening ceremony on Aug 19.

The world keirin champion was initially scheduled to return to Malaysia on Aug 23, four days after the start the games.

Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had on Monday named Azizulhasni, pencak silat exponent Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari and diver Cheong Jun Hoong as Malaysia’s flag bearers. All three are world champions.

"He (Azizulhasni) has to come back earlier. All athletes will attend the opening ceremony so, of course, he has to as well," said Khairy.

"He has been told and has no problems about it."

This is the first time in the history of the Sea Games that three athletes will carry the Malaysian flag. The trio were given the honour in recognition of their achievements on the world stage.