The Flag Handing Ceremony for the National Netball Team to the 13th Asian Netball Championships 2024, was officiated by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, President of OCM and Vice President of OCA, on Tuesday, 15th October 2024, at 11.30 am, at the VIP Lounge of the Bukit Kiara Sports Complex, Kuala Lumpur.
The National Netball Team will participate in the 13th Asian Netball Championships, scheduled to take place from 18th to 27th October 2024, at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bangalore, India.
Y.B. Hajah Alwiyah Talib, President of the Malaysian Netball Association (MNA), in her speech, congratulated Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria on his election as Vice President of the OCA for the Southeast Asia zone on Sunday, 8th September 2024, in New Delhi, India.
“It is not too late for me, on behalf of the Netball fraternity, to congratulate Tan Sri Dr. Norza on being elected as Vice President of OCA” stated Y.B. Hajah Alwiyah Talib.
“The election of Tan Sri Dr. Norza is a testament to the high recognition of his leadership on the international stage, especially within the Asian continent and Southeast Asia region”,
“We are extremely proud for Tan Sri Dr. Norza, as his election as Vice President of OCA is a great achievement for the extended family of OCM, which includes 58 National Sports Association, including the MNA” she added.
She emphasized that the presence of Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria to officiate the Flag Handing Ceremony serves as a great motivation for the MNA and the National Netball Team, who are on a mission to restore the glory of Netball for Malaysia at the Asian Netball Championships 2024.
Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, in his speech, emphasized that Netball has always held a special place in his heart, recalling the intense final match between Malaysia and Singapore when he was the Chef de Mission of the Malaysian Contingent to the 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015.
“I will always extend my fullest support to the MNA to ensure that Netball remains a mainstream sport in Malaysia” stated Tan Sri Dr. Norza.
He encouraged the National Netball Team to surpass their limits and maintain a fearless spirit in facing their opponents.
“Remember, every time you step onto the court, you are not only playing for yourselves but also representing Malaysia, with the support and hopes of the entire nation behind you, praying for your success”,
“Every move you make on the court is a step toward reclaiming the title of Asian Champion, which we last won in 1985 and 2016”,
“Although Netball is not yet part of the Olympic Games, the Olympic Values of 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘, 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 and 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 should be inculcated in all members of our National Netball Team”,
“Play every match to the best of your ability, respect the rules and your opponents and use this opportunity to build friendships with participants from other countries” he added.
During the Flag Handing Ceremony, Y.B. Hajah Alwiyah Talib passed the national flag to Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, who then officially handed it to the Team Manager and Honorary Secretary of MNA, Mdm. Zainon Md Noh, who subsequently presented it to the captain of the National Netball Team, Ms. Nurfariha Abdul Razak.
The OCM wishes the National Netball Team all the best in their participation in the 13th Asian Netball Championships 2024.
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- Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria (third from right), Y.B. Hajah Alwiyah Talib (second from right), Y.A.M. Tengku Datin Seri Noor Hazah Tengku Abdul Aziz Shah (third from left) and Mdm. Zainon Md. Noh (second from left) posing with the National Netball Team after the Flag Handing Ceremony.
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- Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria delivering his speech.
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- Y.B. Hajah Alwiyah Talib delivering her speech.
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- Y.B. Hajah Alwiyah Talib (left) presenting a memento from the MNA to Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria (right) in appreciation of his presence to officiate the Flag Handing Ceremony for the National Netball Team to the 13th Asian Netball Championships 2024.
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- Members of the National Netball Team. L-R: Fatin Najiha Rahmad, Nurfariha Abdul Razak, Pavitrah Sathiaseelan, Nur Izzazrin Aizie Ahmad Yani, Siti Nur Hidayah Akhma Suhhaimi, Nurul Athekah Ammaliah Anwar, Pow Mei Foong & Nur Amisya Khairuddin.
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- The national Netball players, who come from various races and ethnic groups, interact closely, reflecting how sports unite all Malaysians.
Photo Credit: Fong Wan Hor (OCM)
