29th SEA Games 2017 Opening Ceremony | 19/8/2017

Kuala Lumpur Puts Up A Glorious Opening Ceremony For The 2017 SEA Games




Photo: KL2017 Twitter.

It’s finally here! The 2017 edition of the Southeast Asian Games officially commences today until 30th August, with a spectacular opening ceremony held at the newly-renovated Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Beginning with the national anthem at 8.30 p.m., the official theme song of the SEA Games Tunjuk Belang was then performed by Malaysian rock stars Monoloque and Azlan The Typewriter.

After the introduction of the official mascot Rimau, the ceremony continued with the march of contingents from participating countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam and Malaysia.

The 844-strong Malaysian contingent was led by flag bearers Azizulhasni Awang, Al-Jufferi Jamari and Cheong Jun Hoong, and received a thunderous applause from the 84,000 spectators.

Also attending the event was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansur, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.

Dayang Nurfaizah and Mia Palencia graced the stadium with their beautiful voices, singing Bangkit Bersama and So Many Hands, two more official songs of the 29th SEA Games.

The ceremony featured magnificent lightwork around the stadium, thanks to state-of-the-art LED lights attached to all of the seats as well as colourful spotlights.

Photo: KL2017 Twitter

Malaysian sporting legends, including Datuk James Wong, Santokh Singh, Shalin Zulkifli, Sharon Lau, Abdul Rashid Sidek, Datuk Zaiton Osman and Ellen Teo walked into the stadium atrium, bringing the flags of the SEA Games Federation and the official flag of the Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games.

“To the athletes, and their supporting entourage, I extend my best wishes to all of you and hope that you achieve your dreams and objectives in the spirit of togetherness, friendship and sportsmanship,” said the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Jaafar in a speech.

Khairy Jamaluddin giving his speech during the opening ceremony of 29th SEA Games. Photo: KL2017 Twitter.“The theme for the 29th SEA Games is Rising Together. From the first ever baton run that traversed the length and breadth of Southeast Asia, visiting all our capital cities, to our hopes for a dream Games that leaves behind a sustainable legacy.

“Let us rise together as a region to celebrate the bonds that unite us,” said Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in his speech.

Sultan Muhammad V then proceeded to officially open this year’s edition of the SEA Games.

Malaysian high jump champion Nauraj Singh Randhawa led the athletes’ oath, while OCM Vice President Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Tan Sri Omardin led the referees’ oath.

The spectators were feted with a magnificent show of various Southeast Asian cultures, featuring a song performance by Datuk M Nasir and hundreds of cultural dance performers.

The SEA Games torch was brought into the venue by veteran and young Malaysian athletes, and the main torch was finally lit by Nur Dhabitah Sabri signaling the start of the 29th SEA Games.

Nur Dhabitah Sabri being lifted into the main torch for the closing act of the 29th SEA Games opening ceremony.

-- Malaysian Digest















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