KOTA BARU: Malaysia’s 2017 KL Sea Games contingent’s haul of an unprecedented 323 medals has many Kelantanese beaming with pride today.
Many were pleasantly shocked that our athletes were able to surpass themselves and rake in 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals, exceeding the 111 target.
Businessman Zaidi Mohamad said the victory showed that Malaysian athletes are world-class sportsmen and women.
"We should be proud of them. This proves that Malaysian athletes are also equivalent to international sport players," said the 44-year-old from Rantau Panjang.
Housewife Hamidah Ismail said she is not usually interested in sports, but the Sea Games had drawn her to watch the matches.
"The sportsmanship among our athletes drove me to watch the Games from the beginning.
"I believe if Malaysian athletes can perform this well, they might do better in the 2019 Sea Games," said the 38-year-old mother of three from Kampung Tiong.
Student Mohd Sapuan Mohd Alludin said Malaysian athletes have created a new record after winning 111 Sea Games gold medals in 2001.
"Hopefully, Malaysia will make the same history in the Philippines in 2019," said the 19-year-old from Kota Baru.