With a view of building a young talent pool for future regional and international sporting events such as SEA Games, Asia Games, Olympics and other tournaments like the Thomas and Uber Cups, Malaysia has taken the bold initiative of tasking young athletes to the current 32nd SEA Games being hosted by Cambodia.
Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Cambodia in conjunction with her visit to witness the opening of the SEA Games, Malaysia’s Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said, “We had to start somewhere.”
Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh (R) with Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim (L) and Malacca state Governor Tun Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, also President of the Malaysian Karate Federation. KT/Pierre Roussel
The event was attended by dignitaries including Tun Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, Governor of Malacca state and President of the Malaysian Karate Federation; Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia, Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim; and approximately 60 Malaysians in Cambodia.
Yeoh added, “We had a meeting late last year where many athletes voiced out their frustration of not having the opportunity to compete at international or regional sports competitions as the quest for medals superseded everything else.
(L to R) Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Tun Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, Malacca state Governor and President of the Malaysian Karate Federation and MBCC president Okhna Tan Khee Meng together at the event. KT/Pierre Roussel
“Thus, for this edition of the SEA Games, we sent mostly first-timers and I am proud that they are doing their best to compete and do well for Malaysia. Yes, we want to win as many events as possible but we also want the next generation of athletes to gain experience.”
She called on Malaysians based in Cambodia to contribute towards this effort of rebuilding Malaysian sports and uniting the country through sports by whatever means possible.
Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim speaks during the event. KT/Pierre Roussel
Mohd Ali said that he was extremely proud that the first four gold medals won by Malaysia came from karate and that this had exceeded their goal medal targets.
“Our karate exponents have done very well and we are extremely proud of them, as with the whole of Malaysia,” he said.
Malaysian Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh speaks during a dinner hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Cambodia. KT/Pierre Roussel
Ambassador Eldeen Husaini said Malaysians in Cambodia were turning out in large numbers to support Malaysian athletes and this sparked immense patriotism and national pride.
The Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC) also hosted lunch for Tun Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, Ambassador Eldeen, Malaysian SEA Games contingent members and other dignitaries at Dakshin’s fine dining Indian Restaurant, while the Embassy of Malaysia hosted another dinner at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra Hotel.