Big applause for Sea Games’ Team Malaysia

Malaysia’s 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games contingent made an appearance at this year’s National Day parade, sending the crowd wild.

The contingent was led by Rimau, the official mascot of the 29th Sea Games, alongside World keirin champion Azizulhasni Awang, among other medal-winning luminaries.

The athletes, dressed in their tiger-themed tracksuits, proudly waved the Jalur Gemilang as they walked passed the crowd.

Malaysia emerged as the best sporting nation in Southeast Asia, topping the medal tally at the 2017 Sea Games with 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals.

With a total of 323 medals, this is Malaysia’s best-ever finish in the games.

It is the second time Malaysia topped the games after its first No. 1 finish in 2001, when the country won 111 gold, also on home soil.

In Ipoh, the joy over the athletes’ feat was still palpable among spectators of the National Day celebrations yesterday, with many still smiling over the historic tour de force.

Ahmad Abdullah Halim, 32, said it was a double joy for the country after collecting the highest number of gold medals in the competition, and at the same time, celebrating National Day.

“It is a day to remember for all Malaysians. I am so proud of our athletes’ achievements.

“I hope our contingent will maintain their remarkable performance and do their best in the next Sea Games in the Philippines,” said the civil servant.

R. Kumaran, 25, said he was proud of Malaysia being the overall champion of the Sea Games.

“I am happy Malaysia won many gold medals, but I am even happier that Malaysians of all races came together to support the national contingent.”

In Kota Baru, Malaysia’s Sea Games contingent’s haul has many Kelantanese beaming with pride.

Businessman Zaidi Mohamad said the victory showed that Malaysian athletes are worldclass sportsmen and women.

“We should be proud of them. This proves that Malaysian athletes are also equivalent to international sport players,” said the 44-year-old from Rantau Panjang.

Housewife Hamidah Ismail said she was not interested in sports, but the Sea Games had drawn her to watch the matches.

“The sportsmanship among our athletes drove me to watch the games from the beginning.

“I believe if Malaysian athletes can perform this well, they can do better in the 2019 Sea Games,” she said.

Student Mohd Sapuan Mohd Alludin, 19, said Malaysian athletes have created a new record.

“Hopefully, Malaysia will make the same history in the Philippines in 2019,” he said.