Sim: Tiger tracksuit more practical for para-athletes

PETALING JAYA: The orange-coloured tiger striped tracksuit issued to the national para-athletes team for the opening of the Asian Para Games in Jakarta next month will instantly associate them with Malaysia, says Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Steven Sim.

(The batik shirts worn by national athletes) were sponsored ... So the question of the ministry practising double standards does not arise.

Steven Sim

“The ministry, National Sports Council and the Malaysia Paralympic Council have unanimously agreed it would be the best attire for the opening ceremony to showcase the team,” he said yesterday.

Sim said wearing batik would not really reflect the true identity of the nation as Indonesia too had batik.

He said the decision on wearing the tracksuit was based on practicality.

It cost the ministry RM1mil to prepare the team for the Games.

Sim said the batik shirts worn by national athletes at the recently concluded Asian Games were not issued by the ministry.

“They were sponsored by the National Olympic Council.

“So the question of the ministry practising double standard does not arise,” he said.

The Star had reported that the para-athletes team was seeking sponsorship for the official attire for the opening ceremony.

The Malaysian contingent has a strength of 225. Of the number, 140 are athletes while the others are officials, doctors and helpers.