Inspirer role for Dhabitah

Fadhli Ishak

THE Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) believe that diver Nur Dhabitah Sabri will be a great inspirer to her compatriots at the Hanoi Sea Games on May 12-25.

This has led OCM to picking the Olympian and four-time gold medallist as the flag-bearer for the national contingent to Hanoi.

OCM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria believes that Dhabitah will raise the fighting spirits of the younger generation of national athletes.

"She is a young athlete who has already done well at Olympic level, her achievements at the Tokyo Games last year were very encouraging," said Norza yesterday,

"She is easy to approach and has a pleasant personality which I believe represents the spirit of the contingent.

"Although we compete in the (fierce) tiger stripes, this tiger is also humble and friendly."

The 22-year-old Dhabitah had just missed the podium, in fourth place, in the women's 3m springboard individual event at the Tokyo Olympics last year. It was her first time competing in an Olympic final.

Dhabitah, who has won a medal in each of the 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 Sea Games, said she was honoured to be given the role.

"I have to thank OCM for choosing me to be the flag-bearer for the Vietnam Sea Games," said Dhabitah.

"I hope to win two gold medals in my events, 1m springboard individual and 10 platform synchronised - in Hanoi.

"And I hope everyone out there will cheer and support the Malaysian team."

The flag-bearer announcement was made after the launch of the new apparel for the national contingent in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The apparel, sponsored by Yonex Sunrise, once again features the iconic black and orange tiger stripes that the national contingent are synonymous with.

The apparel will be used by the national contingent during the Vietnam Sea Games, Birmingham Commonwealth Games and Hangzhou Asian Games this year.

Norza, who disclosed that the new apparel uses a special fabric known as TruVapor, said: "Thank you to Yonex Sunrise for once again sponsoring the official apparel of the national contingent. This partnership has been going on since 2014 and will continue until 2024.

"The fabric is made from multi-groove micropolyster fiber which absorbs and dispels sweat quickly, subsequently lowering body temperature. The TruVapor apparel is also easy to look after and is comfortable."

Malaysia will send an 864-strong contingent of 589 athletes and 275 officials - to the Hanoi Sea Games.