KUALA LUMPUR: THE men’s ice hockey team is proof that any shade of medal is meaningful as it shows hard work, determination and pride following their first-ever bronze medal in the Sea Games, last night.
Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the team proved this after they showed bravado in the fight for bronze against Singapore in a full-capacity Malaysia National Ice Skating Stadium, Empire City in Damansara Perdana.
“In terms of the match, the Malaysian team prove that all victories are meaningful and it’s not just about the gold medal but also performance and passion.”
“We only focus on the gold medal then we forget about the many other successes of those who won the silver and bronze medals as well as those who didn’t win anything.”
Khairy said an athlete achievements should not be limited by the colour of the medal as they had all sacrificed to make the nation proud and gave Malaysian Paralympic T20 long jumper, Abdul Latif Romly, as an example of this.
“Yesterday, Latif didn’t win any medal but he succeeded as a para athlete competing at the Sea Games-level and this is an achievement.
“When we evaluate, we will not only look at the gold medals, despite being our main objective, but also the successes of others including the men’s ice hockey team last night.”
Meanwhile, Khairy stressed that Malaysia’s decision to host the winter sports for the first time in the Sea Games’ history as a spot-on decision.
“Our decision to host the winter sports is a good decision based on the spectators that attended because I did not even expect our venue in Empire City to attract so many people.
“This goes to show that the sports in Malaysia are varied and it’s not just about traditional sports but also winter sports that have received an overwhelming response.”
Khairy was present during the men’s lawnbowl triples prize-giving ceremony at the National Lawn Bowls Centre at the Bukit Kiara National Sports Complex that saw Malaysia take the gold medal after defeating Brunei 19-9 in the final.
“Congratulations to the men’s lawnbowl team as we pick up one more gold medal with the hope that this win will contribute to the lawn bowls target as well as the overall target.”
Khairy said Malaysia was not in a comfortable position overall but had built a positive momentum in the hope of becoming overall champions of the Sea Games on home soil.