KL2017: Foreigners mesmerised by magnificent opening ceremony
Bernama
New Straits TimesAugust 20, 2017
KUALA LUMPUR: The opening ceremony of the 29th Sea Games not only caught the attention of the locals but it also wowed the foreigners here.
The ceremony, which kicked off at 8pm yesterday at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, here, left the foreigners in awe through the spectacular show on what could be a night to remember for those who attended the event.
A student from United Kingdom, Adrien Lee, 18, who had never witnessed the opening ceremony of any sporting event before, described the opening ceremony of the KL2017 as ‘one of the most amazing things’ in his life.
“It was absolutely a joyful and memorable night for me and my family....the way everything was coordinated was absolutely fantastic,” he told Bernama.
Zhenia Pestin, 27, who travelled from Belarus said he felt goosebumps seeing the moment the nation’s rising diving star Nur Dhabitah Sabri flown up in the air to light the cauldron and described it as ‘the most splendid segment of the night’.
“I also enjoyed the Orang Asal show as I had a chance to see the performer put on a very big mask and dancing on the floor..it was very spiritual and amazing,” he said.
A tourist from Thailand, who wanted to be known as Mint, 26, said she was amazed with everything that was put in place for the opening ceremony of this biennial event.
“I really liked the whole event especially the cultural show which highlighted the unity of the diversified region,” said Mint who will stay here to support her country throughout the KL2017.
Meanwhile, a local businessman, Ridzuan Abdul Jalil, 47, was impressed with the technology used to light up the whole night at the opening ceremony.
“Congratulations to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for organising an outstanding and glittering show last night,” he said.
Last night’s proceedings at the stadium, part of the newly-refurbished sporting facilities of the Kuala Lumpur Sports City, was presided over by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V in the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, his wife Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis and Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
The 29th edition of the Games until Aug 30 brings together some 4,900 athletes from 11 countries, namely Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor Leste and hosts Malaysia.-- BERNAMA
