Malaysia will send record 1,688-strong contingent with 1,166 athletes to 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, competing in 458 events across 50 sports
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will deploy its largest-ever contingent to the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand with 1,688 participants including 1,166 athletes.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim announced this record-breaking representation during a Dewan Rakyat session.
The 33rd SEA Games will feature 50 sports comprising 573 events across Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla from December 9-20.
Malaysia will compete in 458 events, significantly more than the 641-strong contingent sent to the 2015 Singapore SEA Games.
Athlete selection was conducted by a committee chaired by Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.
Selection criteria included top three Southeast Asian rankings for Category A and top six rankings for Category B athletes.
National team preparations began early this year with the overall medal target still under review.
The final medal target will be announced on November 29 after further scrutiny.
For the 2025 ASEAN Para Games from January 20-26, 2026, Malaysia will also send its largest-ever delegation.
The Para Games contingent will comprise 238 athletes and 120 officials.
Regarding Road to Gold Programme athletes, Adam Adli confirmed 12 RTG participants will compete in Thailand.
These athletes will participate in badminton, weightlifting and archery for international exposure.
Responding to funding concerns, the minister clarified that national sport climbing ace Mohd Izzat Mohd Shokor falls under Category C.
Only Categories A and B athletes receive funding from the National Sports Council.
Category C athletes must bear their own training and participation costs despite being allowed to compete. – Bernama
