Shah Firdaus and Sivasangari Selected as Flag Bearers of the Jalur Gemilang for the Asian Games

BY: Michelle Liew

Track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and squash champion S. Sivasangari, were selected as bearers of the Jalur Gemilang for the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, in China from Sept 23 to Oct 8.

The announcement was made by the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (MOM) Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, at the ceremony of handing over the selection certificate to the Malaysian Contingent for the Games, today.

"Both Shah Firdaus and Sivasangari have great reputations and are seen as medal prospects in Hangzhou. I hope they become an inspiration to other athletes, especially those participating in this big Games for the first time," he said.

Sivasangari was previously selected as the flag bearer for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games but was unable to compete after being involved in a road accident in June last year.

Shah Firdaus, 27, said his selection as the bearer of the Jalur Gemilang is an appreciation and motivation, to contribute something at the Asian Games later.

"As the flag bearer, I have to set a good example for Malaysians and our athletes. There is pressure even if we are not the flag bearer, it is just how we overcome that pressure that is the most important.

"At the previous games, I always wanted to enjoy my race, as soon as I was able to do that I could row well," said the person who will compete in the keirin and individual sprint events when met after the ceremony.

Sivasangari, who is currently in Qatar to participate in the competition, said in a video that the recognition of carrying the Jalur Gemilang can inspire him to give medals to the country.

Mohamad Norza said according to the latest update, a total of 289 athletes and 145 officials will represent Malaysia at the Asian Games this time.

Malaysia will participate in 22 of the 40 types of sports contested, including diving, badminton, cycling, equestrian, gymnastics, hockey, karate, archery, squash, athletics, taekwondo, sports, boxing and wushu.