NAGOYA: A burst of colour, pride and Malaysian spirit lit up the Paloma Mizuho Stadium as the national contingent made their grand entrance at the spectacular opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Saturday (Sept 19).
With the Jalur Gemilang held proudly aloft, sprinter Mohd Azeem Fahmi and wushu exponent Tan Cheong Min led Malaysia into the stadium as flag bearers, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of the country’s 352-strong contingent.
It was a fitting sight just three days after Malaysia Day as the athletes and officials marched in wearing a striking Jalur Gemilang-inspired batik design.
Featuring the national colours of blue, red, white and yellow, together with traditional floral and botanical motifs, the attire added a distinctly Malaysian flavour to the colourful parade of nations.
Around 60 members of the Malaysian contingent soaked in the sights and sounds of the grand occasion, led by chef de mission Datuk Sumali Reduan.
He was accompanied by his two deputies - former Asian Games squash gold medallist Mohd Azlan Iskandar and former national bowler Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi.
Against a dazzling backdrop befitting Asia’s biggest multi-sport gathering, Malaysia joined athletes from across the continent in celebrating the official start of the Games before attention turns to the serious business of chasing medals.
Malaysia have set a target of six gold, seven silver and 20 bronze medals and will be looking to make their presence felt in traditionally successful sports such as squash, karate, cycling, hockey, badminton and sepak takraw.
The national contingent will compete in 30 of the 43 sports contested at the Games.
The lights and festivities of the opening ceremony may have provided a spectacular start, but for Malaysia’s athletes, the real show now begins as they set out in pursuit of glory in Japan.
