Our athletes shed blood and tears to make us proud of them
CONGRATULATIONS to Sea Games chef-de-mission Datuk Marina Chin, the Malaysian contingent and the organisers of the 29th Sea Games. You guys are amazing.
There was an astonishing array of talent who will make Malaysia a sporting giant. There are world champions among them, but the budding ones will give more reason for Malaysians to jubilate.
Two months before the games, the National Sports Council predicted we would need to win at least 109 gold medals to emerge as overall champion.
A month later, the target was moved to 111. But our athletes beat the prediction by more than a mile, winning 145 gold medals.
However, let us not forget their sacrifices. The athletes not only displayed talent but also commitment and tolerance for pain.
During the games, they were focused and displayed self-confidence and emotional maturity.
All the mental strength and opportunities in the world would not have been of any help if they did not possess these attributes.
Adam Yoong Hanifah, 9, struck gold in the men’s waterski tricks event.
Khairul Hafiz Jantan, 19, is the youngest sprint champion in Southeast Asia. Zumika Azmi, 19, and Sasha Azmi, 17, both Orang Asli, won bronze medals in cricket.
Rio Paralympic gold medallist and Para world record holder Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli competed against normal athletes and made history by becoming the first Paralympic athlete to compete in the Sea Games and win a medal.
He won a bronze medal in the men’s shot put.
Badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei adopted a never-saydie attitude during training and at tournaments.
The late footballer Datuk Mokhtar Dahari, Sportsman of the Year 1977, said: “To be a good footballer, you need three things: discipline, dedication and determination. Training is a must. You must never feel disheartened.”
We may feel frustrated about the performance of our athletes in certain sports at the games, but let us not forget that they are mostly youngsters. There is hope for Malaysian sports.
Argentina may have footballer Lionel Messi, but we have Faiz Subri with his physics-defying freekick that won the Fifa Puskas award for Goal of The Year.
Last, but not least, are the coaches and family members of our athletes.
Thank you very much. You have done your part and we look forward to more glory with your continued and full support.