Youth and Sports Minister YB Brig Gen Khairy Jamaluddin has urged the Malaysian Para athletes to rise up and lift the nation with pride and joy as the hosts seek to realise its dream of emerging overall champions of the 9th ASEAN Para Games Kuala Lumpur 2017 which commences in five day’s time.
He called on Malaysians to rally behind the national contingent of 500 athletes and officials who has set a target of winning 103 gold medals in the week-long Games which offers a total of 368 gold.
Sixteen sports and 368 events will be contested in the Games which starts on 17 Sept and ends on 24 Sept.
At a special ceremony at the contingent’s official the at Seri Pacific Kuala Lumpur, YB Brig Gen Khairy said the athletes should seize the opportunity to show their capabilities and march on to celebrate another major feat after the successful SEA Games outing for the nation two weeks ago.
“You are the best among the best, cream of the crop, that Malaysia has to offer. So make your participation counts. You are all not special but in fact extraordinary,” he said.
“It’s now your turn to show the world what the nation is capable of regardless of your status. Let’s march on to celebrate another success. I want everyone to give their best even if you don’t win medals,” he added.
YB Brig Gen Khairy said in Singapore two years ago, Team Malaysia surpassed their 50-gold target, performed creditably well with 52 gold, 58 silvers and 37 bronzes to place themselves third in the overall standing.
“I am confident we are able to our target of 103 gold medals after a detailed research. Let us continue to bring joy and glory to the nation with the status as hosts and uphold the country’s image. This is our “House”,” said YB Brig Gen Khairy.
Malaysia are represented by 326 athletes and 167 officials and will be competing in all 16 sports and 289 events in the Games.
Malaysia’s best performance was a total of 301 medals – 135 gold, 75 silvers, 87 bronzes – achieved at the inaugural 2001 ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur. Thailand have been on the rise since then, stamping their status as the region’s powerhouse with seven overall titles.
Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur 2001) and Indonesia (Naypidaw 2014) were the only two countries other than Thailand who have won the Games.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak is expected to grace the official opening ceremony of the 9th ASEAN Para Games on 17 Sept (8pm) at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Admission to the Games venues and its opening ceremony will be free to the public.
GAMES VENUES
KL Sports City
Para Archery: Synthetic Field in MSN
Para Athletics: Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Para Badminton: Axiata Arena
Football 5-aside: Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium
Football 7-aside: Field C in MSN
Para Swimming: National Aquatic Centre
Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC)
- Boccia: HALL 6
- Goalball: HALL 8
- Chess: HALL 4
- Para Table Tennis: HALL 7
- Para Powerlifting: HALL 3
- Wheelchair Volleyball: HALL 11
- Wheelchair Basketball: HALL 9 and 10
Para Cycling (Track) – National Velodrome in Putrajaya
Para Cycling (Road) – Putrajaya
Tenpin Bowling – Sunway Pyramid – Sunway Megalanes
Wheelchair Tennis – Jalan Duta Tennis Complex
