KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today officiated the flag handing ceremony for the national contingents who will be out to do the nation proud at the Paris Olympics (Jul 26-Aug 11) and Paris Paralympics (Aug 28-Sep 8).
Sultan Ibrahim gave words of encouragement to all the national athletes who will be on the hunt for the Malaysia's first ever gold medal at the Olympics.
"I wish all the best to the athletes who will be competing at the Olympics," said Sultan Ibrahim via the Royal Press Office.
"Let's pray together that the athletes representing our country at the Olympics and Paralympics will achieve excellence."
Among those expected to be contenders at the Olympics includes shuttlers Lee Zii Jia, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah, as well as Azizulhasni Awang (track cycling).
Athletics stars Latif Romly and Ziyad Zolkefli will be among those expected to shine at the Paralympics.
In addition to the athletes, the flag handing ceremony was also attended by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria and Paralympic Council of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin, as well as Paris Olympics chef de mission Datuk Hamidin Amin.
A total of 26 and 20 athletes each are expected to represent Malaysia at the Olympics and Paralympics.