The 30th SEA Games officially started with a glittering ceremony at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Saturday.
Athletes and officials from 11 countries in the region gathered at the opening ceremony showcasing the culture and heritage of the Philippines.
Malaysia was the fifth country to march into the Philippine Arena, after Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia and Laos.
Led by 2018 bowling world champion Rafiq Ismail as the flag-bearer, the multi-racial Malaysian contingent of athletes and officials paraded around the indoor arena in style in national outfits.
The men wore white baju Melayu and red samping with tengkolok in the style of Hang Tuah, while the women were resplendent in white baju kurung and selendang with Jalur Gemilang motif.
After Malaysia, the contingents from Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam marched in before hosts Philippines ended the march.
The national athletes begin their hunt for gold on Sunday, with the men’s polo team slated to play in the final.
Malaysia, represented by 773 athletes comprising of 326 women and 447 men, are targeting 70 gold, 51 silver and 105 bronze medals, which, if achieved, will be their best ever SEA Games performance outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia’s best performance as non-hosts was at the 2007 Games in Korat, Thailand, where they won 68 gold medals.
Athletes and officials from 11 countries in the region gathered at the opening ceremony showcasing the culture and heritage of the Philippines.
Malaysia was the fifth country to march into the Philippine Arena, after Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia and Laos.
Led by 2018 bowling world champion Rafiq Ismail as the flag-bearer, the multi-racial Malaysian contingent of athletes and officials paraded around the indoor arena in style in national outfits.
The men wore white baju Melayu and red samping with tengkolok in the style of Hang Tuah, while the women were resplendent in white baju kurung and selendang with Jalur Gemilang motif.
After Malaysia, the contingents from Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam marched in before hosts Philippines ended the march.
The national athletes begin their hunt for gold on Sunday, with the men’s polo team slated to play in the final.
Malaysia, represented by 773 athletes comprising of 326 women and 447 men, are targeting 70 gold, 51 silver and 105 bronze medals, which, if achieved, will be their best ever SEA Games performance outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia’s best performance as non-hosts was at the 2007 Games in Korat, Thailand, where they won 68 gold medals.
