KUALA LUMPUR – National hockey legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi has stepped forward to defend the Malaysian contingent’s latest official attire for the upcoming Paris Olympics in July, despite heavy criticism from the public.
Mirnawan, who participated in three editions of the Olympics – Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Melbourne 2000 – reminisced about his days as an athlete, describing his pride in wearing the official attire provided by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) during the world’s largest sporting event.
He also commended OCM’s new approach of introducing gold as the new theme for Malaysia’s contingent attire, replacing the traditional tiger stripes that had adorned Malaysia’s uniforms for nearly two decades.
“OCM’s initiative to provide new themed attire for the Malaysian contingent in each multi-sport game, especially the Olympics, is a recognition and appreciation for national athletes and Olympians who represent the King and country.
“The ‘gold’ theme for the Malaysian contingent’s new official attire at the Paris Olympics is very unique and different from the official attire I have worn before, something different.
“This new design, highlighting the golden theme, will surely inject (a winning) spirit into our Olympians to achieve their dream of winning Malaysia’s first gold medal at the Olympic Games,” stated Mirnawan in his latest social media post.
Yesterday, Malaysia’s chef de mission (CDM) for the 2024 Olympics, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, emphasised that the new design – featuring gold and black instead of the previous orange – is intended to uplift the national contingent with the aura of coveted medals at the world’s biggest sporting event.
Furthermore, OCM will not alter the new attire design for the Malaysian contingent at the Paris 2024.
Instead, the council remains focused on pursuing gold medals as the quadrennial event prepares to officially commence this July. – June 26, 2024