Para Games torch greeted with fanfare

KUALA LUMPUR: The spirited Malaysian contingent belted out Gemuruh Jiwa loudly during the arrival of the Asean Para Games torch, waving their hands, wearing the red #AnakAnakMalaysia wristbands, when the music suddenly stopped after the first few lines.

A hush followed. The athletes broke the tension by encouraging an apparently nervous DJ at the back of the hall to get the music back on by clapping and cheering him on.

What was initially thought to be a horrifying glitch turned out to be a huge surprise for the Malaysian athletes as the song came back on – and the doors to the hall burst open.

Faizal Tahir, the singer whose voice powered the Gemuruh Jiwa tune in the 9th Asean Para Games, walked in and began singing along with the athletes, who roared in delight.

The athletes quickly got back in tune and joined Faizal in singing the inspiring song.

After the rousing performance, Faizal thanked the athletes for their effort and wished them all the best in the Games.

“You have proven that you are truly extraordinary. Go into the Games in the name of God and have faith in your abilities and the people who have trained you. Go make us proud, all Malaysians are with you,” he said to thunderous applause.

Earlier, Star Media Group representatives distributed the wristbands to the athletes, who wore them to show they were #AnakAnakMalaysia.

The #AnakAnakMalaysia campaign is organised by EcoWorld and Star Media Group in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day.

Malaysians can participate by taking a photo or video of themselves wearing the wristband and posting them on www. anakanakmalaysia.com.

For details and a listing of wristband collection points, visit www.anakanakmalaysia.