KJ: Three world champs to be flag-bearers at SEA Games opening ceremony

KUALA LUMPUR: The SEA Games will witness a first with three reigning world champions carrying the Jalur Gemilang for the Malaysian contingent during the opening ceremony at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, said Khairy Jamaluddin.   

The Youth and Sports Minister, in giving a pep talk to the national athletes at the SEA Games camp here on Monday, announced that track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang, diver Cheong Jun Hoong and silat exponent Mohd Al-Jufferi Jamari, will be the flag-bearers for the event on Aug 19.   

Azizul romped to a historic gold medal in the men's keirin event at the World Track Cycling Championships in Hong Kong in March while Jun Hoong brought further glory after plunging to a shock win in the women's 10m platform individual final at the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, last month.   

Al-Jufferi came out tops in the men's Putra E class at the World Silat Championships in Bali, Indonesia in December last year.  

The trio will be competing for gold at the KL SEA Games where Malaysia are eyeing to win nothing less than 100 gold medals to regain the overall title.   

Malaysia were overall winners for the first time with 111 gold when they last hosted the SEA Games back in 2011 here.    

The official flag handing ceremony for the Malaysian team will be held in Putrajaya on Thursday.   

The Kuala Lumpur SEA Games will be held from Aug 19-30.