19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 – Announcement Ceremony for the Malaysian Contingent to the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

The OCM organized the announcement ceremony for the Malaysian Contingent to the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 on Wednesday, 6th August 2023 at the AC Hotel by Marriot Kuala Lumpur.

In the ceremony, the President of OCM, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, handed over the instruments of selection certificates to representatives of the 289 athletes and 145 officials who form the Malaysian Contingent bound to participate in 22 sports in Hangzhou from 23rd September to 8th October 2023.

Tan Sri Dr. Norza also announced Track Cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Squash athlete, S. Sivasangari, as the Contingent’s Flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games on Saturday, 23rd September 2023.

Headed by the Vice President of OCM, Mahaguru Dato’ Chong Kim Fatt as the Chef de Mission, the Malaysian Contingent will compete in 22 sports from the 40 contested.

Malaysia will take part in Aquatics (Diving and Swimming), Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball 3×3 (Men’s and Women’s), Boxing, Cricket (Men’s and Women’s), Cycling (Track and Road Race), Dragon Boat, Equestrian, Gymnastics (Artistic and Rhythmic), Hockey (Men’s and Women’s), Kabbadi, Martial Arts (Ju-jitsu & Karate), Mind Sport (E-Sport, Go, Xiangqi), Rugby, Sailing, Sepaktakraw, Shooting, Squash, Taekwondo and Wushu.

In his keynote address, Tan Sri Dr. Norza said unlike the SEA Games where budding athletes can be sent for exposure, the Asian Games is for established athletes.

”The Asian Games is not for greenhorns. Some of our athletes will be taking on giants in their respective events from Japan, South Korea and China. Please be reminded Hangzhou is not a destination for vacation.”

Tan Sri Dr. Norza also announced the appointment of Malaysia Boxing Federation (MBF) President, Datuk Mohamad Iruan Zulkefli and former Gymnast, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farrah Hani Imran as Deputy Chefs de Mission.

”We believe the combination of Mahaguru Dato’ Chong with the two deputies with leadership and athletes’ background is the right recipe to lead the Malaysian Contingent in China,” he said.

Earlier, The Secretary General of OCM, Dato’ Mohd Nazifuddin Najib, spoke about the pathway for an athlete to reach the pinnacle in his presentation National Athlete: Road to Olympics, while OCM Athletes’ Commission President, Datuk Shalin Zulkifli, spoke about empowering the voice of athletes.