Version: MY
Mark your calendars for May 5th as the highly anticipated biennial sporting event, the SEA Games 2023, is set to begin! Taking place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, all 11 Southeast Asian countries will participate and showcase the unparalleled talent of their respective country’s athletes on the biggest sporting stage in Southeast Asia.
With that, many may wonder who will be representing Malaysia at the 2023 SEA Games. It is important to note that some renowned athletes such as Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang and Dato Pandelela Rinong will not participate to provide exposure for the country’s young athletes.
Our list includes representatives of the Malaysian contingent – familiar or new, with the highest potential to win medals in all events. Read on to explore!
1. Ziyad Zolkefli – Shot Put
Muhammad Ziyad bin Zolkefli is the most exceptional paralympic shot put athlete in Malaysian history, having participated in the SEA Games three times and collecting silver medals in 2019, and bronze medals in 2017 and 2021.
At the 2017 World Para Athletics Championship, Ziyad won the gold medal in the F20 shot put and set a new record at the tournament. He also competed in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, where he secured 6th place in the same event.
Ziyad is anticipated to be one of Malaysia’s top contenders for a gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games.
2. Syafiq Puteh – Diving
The 27-year-old senior diver is a consistently impressive athlete, excelling in his expertise for the 3m Springboard event. Among his greatest achievements is the collection of three gold medals at the 8th edition of the Asian Diving Cup for the 1m Springboard, 3m Springboard Synchro, and 3m Synchro Mixed events.
At the SEA Games, he is considered a veteran with two gold medals and one silver medal to his name, one of which was won in the 2021 edition.
3. Ong Ker Ying – Diving
Ker Ying Ong is an exceptionally talented diver who has etched his name into the legacy of the SEA Games championships.
Her objective of securing a gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games, following her victory at the 2021 SEA Games, is being challenged by an eye infection and the pressure to maintain the gold medal streak held by her partner, Ng Yan Yee, since the previous edition.
Nevertheless, she remains determined and strives to capture the attention of Malaysians. She and her teammates encourage one another at every step and dive!
4. Zara Aleesya – Finswimming
Now, we come to the most unique athlete on our list, Zara Aleesya. As a swimmer, she will be competing in the Finswimming event, which requires her to wear mermaid fins. What’s even more impressive is that Zara Aleesya is just 11 years old!
Nicknamed ‘The Little Mermaid’ due to her young age and her resemblance to the fictional character, Zara Aleesya is more than capable of competing against adult swimmers at the 2023 SEA Games. Although she may feel a little nervous (let’s not forget she’s only 11!), let’s show our full support for Zara Aleesya!
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