All systems go: Malaysian contingent all fired up for the SEA Deaf Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, this week.
PUTRAJAYA: Limitations are not a barrier to success.
That was the clarion call from Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to Malaysia’s deaf athletes during the official handing over of the Jalur Gemilang to the contingent bound for the SEA Deaf Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, which begin on Wednesday (Aug 20).
Hannah urged the athletes to give their all in Jakarta, reminding them that they carry not just the nation’s flag, but also the hopes of inspiring Malaysians everywhere.
“Compete with the highest fighting spirit, give your full commitment and effort. You are not only competing for medals, but more importantly, showing that limitations are never a barrier to success while bringing glory to Malaysia,” she said.
She also expressed confidence in MSDeaf’s efforts to identify and develop more athletes from the deaf community, assuring that the government would continue to back them.
“The RM3 million allocated to MSDeaf for preparations for the SEA Deaf Games 2025 and the Deaflympics in Tokyo this November is proof of the government’s commitment,” she added.
During the ceremony, Hannah handed the national flag to chef de mission B. Sarkunan and flag bearer Zaiman Megat Abu, a national long and triple jumper. Also present were MSDeaf president Ong Shin Ruenn, athletes, officials, and key stakeholders of the Malaysian contingent, who pledged to give their best in pursuit of the country’s 16-gold medal target.
Malaysia will send an 80-strong contingent, comprising 53 athletes and 27 officials, making it the second-largest delegation after hosts Indonesia. The team will compete across all six sports – futsal, athletics, badminton, bowling, chess, and table tennis.
The ceremony also saw the unveiling of the contingent’s official attire and jersey, sponsored by Coneli Sdn Bhd, a local sportswear company specialising in high-performance athletic apparel and equipment.
