Come August, Malaysia will host the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 16 years after it last hosted the biennial regional event. In September, the sporting spotlight then shines on the 9th ASEAN Para Games. This is the sixth and third time KL will be hosting the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games respectively, and is particularly significant as 2017 is also the Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of the country’s independence.
For the SEA Games, there will be 5,000 athletes from 11 countries competing for gold in over 400 events and Team Malaysia is aiming to emerge as overall champion – the last and only time we did so was when we hosted the 2001 edition by winning 111 gold medals. No doubt, we certainly have the chops to do it again; we have Rio Olympic silver medallist Pandelela Rinong and recent world champion of women's 10 metre platform event Cheong Jun Hoong; artistic gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi; and 'Pocket Rocketman' Azizulhasni Awang. So, we can't think of any better way to show your national pride than turning up for the games to cheer our country on. Malaysia Boleh!
When does it start?
The 29th edition of the SEA Games will be held from August 19 to 31, while the 9th ASEAN Para Games will take place from September 17 to 23.
How many sports are being contested?
The 29th SEA Games will feature over 400 events in 38 sports, while the Para Games will feature 16 sports. Two winter sports will make their debut – ice hockey and ice skating – and promises to be truly exciting. Other events making their first appearance are cricket, bridge and Tarung Derajat (Javanese martial arts).
What are the theme, logo and mascot?
Both the Games will use the same logo, theme and mascot; fun fact: Malaysia will be the first host ever to do so. The theme and tagline is ‘Rising together’, which truly encapsulates the essence of the Games and Para Games. While the logo is inspired by the traditional Malaysian wau bulan (kite), the rendition is abstract and adorned with a combination of patterns and colours representing the participating countries. The official mascot is a Malayan tiger named RIMAU (Respect, Integrity, Move, Attitude and Unity) and embodies the spirit of the Games and the qualities of the athletes. It’s quite a cute character too.
Where can I watch the events?
Most of the SEA Games will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Sports City in Bukit Jalil, Malaysian International Trade Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) and Putrajaya. There will be a couple of other states playing host as well, like Terengganu for an equestrian event and Langkawi for the sailing event.
How much are tickets and where can I purchase them?
Tickets for the SEA Games are priced at RM10 and RM20 and are available for online purchase on their website, as well as authorised ticketing counters and ticket kiosks at the venues themselves. Note that free admission will be offered to more than half of the 38 sports, excluding the opening and closing ceremonies, aquatics (diving, swimming, synchronized swimming and water polo), badminton, gymnastics, karate, taekwondo, silat, futsal, netball, rugby, cycling (track), basketball, sepak takraw, billiard and snooker, muay Thai and football.
How to get to the venues?
It’s highly recommended to use public transport like buses and trains as most of the venues are easily accessible. There will also be free bike sharing services to and from LRT/MRT stations if you’re taking the trains. And if you’re not a fan of public transport, there’s the option of using Grab and Uber.
For more information, visit kualalumpur2017.com.my.