[Sports] Remembering one of Malaysia’s greatest histories in sports

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Logo_of_XVI_Commonwealth_Games_Kuala_Lumpur.svg

As the nation celebrates Malaysia’s 57^th independence day, we take a look back at one of the greatest sports event to be held in our beloved country, the 1998 Commonwealth Games.

source: http://www.sgm.org.my/en/?cur=page/page&id=156&title=XVI_Commonwealth_Games

The 16^th and the first ever Commonwealth Games to be held in an Asian country began on the 11^th of September 1998, with Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, our then Prime Minister, opening the games.

The newly build National Stadium Bukit Jalil was roaring with excitement. Many renowned Malaysian artists like Siti Roziana Binti Zain, Shahrul Anuar Zain and others were singing the theme song “Malaysiaku Gemilang”.

The dances and music performances were all related towards the opening ceremony theme, which was “Unity towards Progress”. 5000 volunteers spread out coloured cards, which represented sports images, different flags and many other different messages.

The opening ceremony ended with a beautiful display of fireworks showing different colours and shapes, with hoops and flowers.

source: http://theviewspaper.net/the_green_stuff/

The 16^th Commonwealth Games brought in a total of 15 new sport events. New team events included games like netball, cricket and others. Individual events bought in squash and ten-pin bowling. In athletics, swimming, badminton, gymnastics and much more other events were added.

Rugby Sevens was particularly successful, with New Zealand receiving its 100^th Commonwealth Games medal after a 21-12 win against a courageous Fiji team, which was the world champion back then.

What was build up to be a tight match with Michelle Martin going up against Sarah Fitz-Gerald in the final of the woman’s squash event, surprised some as Michelle won gold in just three dominant sets 9-0, 9-6, 9-5. Michelle also played the doubles alongside Craig Rowland to win the mixed doubles gold.

The Commonwealth Games finally ended on the 21th September 1998. The closing ceremony was a sight to behold as there was dances and performances, and fireworks concluding what was a magnificent event for our country.

Malaysia ended the 16^th Commonwealth Games with a then record 10 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze medals.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_Commonwealth_Games