Malaysia to send more than 1,000 athletes, officials to Thailand SEA Games

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are set to send one of their biggest-ever SEA Games contingents, with more than 1,000 athletes and officials expected to travel to Thailand in December.

Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria confirmed most of the selection has been finalised, with the Sept 1 deadline looming for the official list.

“We are confident the whole contingent, officials and athletes, will be more than 1,000,” he said.

“Some final selections depend on sports still competing this month, but we are ready.

“If the number surpasses 1,000, it will rank as one of Malaysia’s largest SEA Games squads.” The current record came at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur edition, when the hosts had 1,139 members (845 athletes and 294 officials).

That was followed by 1,112 (772 athletes, 340 officials) at the 2019 Philippines Games, while last year’s Cambodia edition saw a leaner contingent of 914 (677 athletes, 237 officials).

With 49 sports on the programme, Malaysia are gearing up for another major outing.

The final list, split into Category A and B depending on qualification through tournaments, will be confirmed by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, safety and security remain paramount after border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated on July 24, leaving at least 43 dead and displacing more than 300,000 civilians.

Although a ceasefire was agreed on Aug 7, Norza stressed there would be no compromise on safety.

“The safety and welfare of our athletes and officials are of utmost importance and will never be compromised,” he said.

Norza added that close coordination with international federations and local organisers would ensure a safe environment for the Malaysian squad.

“Everything is under control,” he assured.

“We are ready to send a strong contingent, and at the same time ensure our athletes’ safety and welfare are fully protected.”

Norza was speaking at the WNZ Sports Arena in Puchong, where he attended the final of the OCM-SportsUnite-U R My Bro Unity Under-18 Futsal Datuk Santokh Singh Cup.

Court Soccer B claimed the inaugural title with a 3-1 victory over CNS Gym FT on Saturday.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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