Malaysia’s big 2025 SEA & APG squads aim to build experience and readiness ahead of hosting both events in 2027.
SENDING a large Malaysian contingent to the 2025 SEA Games and the 2025 ASEAN Para Games (APG) in Thailand is not aimed at pursuing short-term success, but rather a strategic move to build experience and confidence ahead of the hosting of both games in Malaysia in 2027.
Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh said that almost half of the total athletes sent will compete in team events, which is described as an important investment to strengthen the country’s sports unity and readiness in the long term.
“This large participation is not a matter of numbers but an effort to build the continuity and maturity of athletes. If we only select athletes based on short-term medal potential, we will deny opportunities for exposure to young talents who will be the country’s future,” she said.
Hannah said this when speaking at the Jalur Gemilang Handover Ceremony to the Malaysian contingent to the 2025 SEA Games and 2025 APG here, today.
She also stressed the importance of discipline, emotional management and prudent use of social media among athletes, especially when facing the pressure of international competition.
Meanwhile, Hannah said the government continues to emphasise the welfare of athletes with various improvements including social protection, allowances, training facilities and logistical support to ensure that athletes can fully focus on performance.
“When the government has carried out its responsibilities to the best of its ability, I hope that athletes will also carry out their trust when it comes time to compete on the field,” she said.
He said true success is not only measured by the number of medals won but rather by the discipline, courage and commitment of athletes when representing the country.
Earlier, the 2025 SEA Games contingent chef de mission (CDM) Nurul Huda Abdullah announced that they were targeting to bring home 200 medals while the 2025 APG CDM Mohd Zarrawi Ravi Abdullah announced a target of 181 medals for the country’s contingent.
Malaysia will field 1,142 athletes accompanied by 515 officials for the 2025 SEA Games while a total of 236 athletes and 117 officials will be sent to 2025 APG.
The 2025 SEA Games will take place from Dec 9-20 while the 2025 APG is scheduled to start from Jan 20-26.
