National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang with FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman (left) at the launch of the Pestabola Merdeka Unity Carnival. - Photo: Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: The National Unity Ministry, in collaboration with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), will hold the 2023 Kuala Lumpur Pestabola Merdeka Unity Carnival in October featuring various sports and cultural events.
The carnival is held for the first time in conjunction with Pestabola Merdeka 2023, which will take place at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium from Oct 13 to 17.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said two events will be contested earlier to promote the 2023 Pestabola Merdeka, namely the children's category football matches on Sept 30 and Oct 1, while a charity football match will take place on Oct 7.
"Football events are part of the national identity that can help instil love and loyalty to the country.
"The carnival also provides space and opportunity for the whole community to come together to enliven the carnival," he said in a statement today.
Over 100,000 visitors from all over the country are expected to attend the carnival which will feature sporting events such as running, cycling and street football tournaments, as well as cultural performances.
Pestabola Merdeka 2023, which will be participated by four teams - Malaysia, Palestine, Lebanon and India - is based on a knockout format - with the initial round on Oct 13, and final and third-fourth placing matches on Oct 17. - Bernama
