The recent announcement of Shalin Zulkifli’s retirement from the national bowling squad jogged my memory of the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
She follows the likes of squash queen Datuk Nicol David and badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who hung up their respective racquets after an illustrious career in service of the nation.
I remember as a boy watching Shalin and other Malaysian athletes display their best for the country when we hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
The 16th Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur was special because it reinforced and strengthened a sense of pride and patriotism for my beloved country.
Every major sporting event involving Malaysia has shown me how we all stand united for national pride whenever our athletes compete against the world’s best.
Most Malaysians would remember Chong Wei’s 2016 Olympic medal match against arch-rival Chen Long of China; the build-up to the men’s singles event had everyone excited with the prospect of a gold medal upon his return.
I felt the game brought people closer together: we were united in our cheers for a fellow Malaysian on the verge of clinching the top prize.
Chong Wei might have returned with the silver, but I believe Malaysia won the gold when it came to our display of patriotism and unity, not only for Chong Wei’s match, but for all the athletes who carried the jalur gemilang.
That very attitude should be a way of life for us.
We are all working towards a common goal of harmony, peace and unity, which are amongst the pillars of progress when it comes to nation-building.
I would like to remind all Malaysians that we have, and will always be, standing in the eyes of the world.
Yeap Ming Liong
Subang Jaya, Selangor
