The Games show what we need to keep progressing

FOR almost three weeks, we were focused on 111. It was a magic number on which we pinned our hopes. Whether we knew it or not, many of us were looking for an affirmation that Malaysia is doing fine, that the country can soar if we truly believe and work hard, and that it is natural for us to come together for a common cause.

We need such reminders and encouragement every now and then, and our contingent’s strong performance at the SEA Games is certainly well-timed.

Malaysia’s gold medal tally climbed to 111 just two days before we celebrate the anniversary of the nation’s independence. That figure is the target announced on Aug 10 by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in order for Malaysia to become the overall SEA Games winner.

It so happens that Malaysia collected 111 gold medals when it last hosted the SEA Games in 2001.

That was enough then to be the best among the participating countries, and it will be the same this year.

In fact, we have surpassed that mark.

Consider it an early Merdeka gift. All that glitters is not gold, but when that glitter makes Malaysia the sports champion of the region, we cannot help but bask in the warm golden glow.

It is not that we are obsessed with sporting victories and titles. After all, we are not all sports fans.

For some, it may be hard to appreciate the thrill of people chasing balls up and down fields and courts.

Watching men and women trying to outrun, outjump and out-throw each other is not everybody’s cup of tea.

But none of us has any problem understanding talent, diligence, commitment and teamwork. Sports is built on these elements. Our ath- letes’ achievements, particularly when they don national colours, move and inspire us by reinforcing the importance of effort, dedication and togetherness.

That is why we cheer them on. And when they win or lose, we share their joy or disappointment.

Amid the euphoria over the gold medal haul, we should not forget our silver and bronze medallists, those who did not make it to the podium but recorded personal bests, and the others who did all they could to secure national glory. It is about recognising the triumph of the human spirit.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympics, was very clear about this.

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well,” he said.

As much as the accomplishments of our SEA Games contingent reflect our collective pride and ambition, they also underline what it takes for Malaysia to continue its progress.

Nationhood is not about who comes first; like in sports, what matters most is that everybody is heading in the same direction, relying on each other, and willing to give his all for the good of the entire team.