KUALA LUMPUR – As the year draws to a close, prominent figures in the Malaysian sports scene share their heartfelt Christmas wishes and optimistic aspirations for the upcoming year.
From national hockey head coach Arul Selvaraj to Safe Sport Malaysia president Sarina Sundara Rajah, these voices resonate with hopes ranging from Olympic success to national unity.
Join us in exploring the sentiments and dreams of these sports leaders as they extend warm greetings for the festive season and a prosperous 2024.
Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria,
Olympic Council of Malaysia and Badminton Association of Malaysia president
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Malaysians, especially to those in the sports fraternity.
“May 2024 be the year we achieve our Olympic dreams as well as other successes in sports whether locally or internationally.
“All the best to the sports administrators, coaches and athletes – enjoy the wonderful festive season and have a blessed celebration.”
Arul Selvaraj,
National men’s hockey head coach
“Wishing a joyful Christmas to those who are celebrating, and extending warm wishes to everyone for a delightful Christmas break.
“As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of 2024, my heartfelt wish is for Malaysia to secure qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games.
“The FIH Olympic Qualification, set to take place in Oman from January 15 to 21, holds significant importance for us, as we’ve been earnestly striving for Olympic qualification for the past 24 years.
“The last time Malaysia participated in the Games was during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. May God bless every one of you.”
Datuk Ong Kim Swee,
Sabah FC head coach and Football Coaches Association of Malaysia president
“I extend my heartfelt wish for our country to be blessed with robust economic development in the coming year. Additionally, let us aspire for a harmonious society marked by tolerance and understanding, particularly in matters of religion, given the prevailing sentiments.
“Looking ahead to 2024, my hope extends beyond national development, encompassing improvement in every facet of our lives. In the realm of football, may our national teams and clubs witness enhanced management and achieve greater success.
“As we approach the festive season, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the coming year bring prosperity, unity, and positive transformations for all.”
Hanifah Yoong,
National water skiing coach
“My sincere wish is that all Malaysian sports will progress and more Malaysians get involved in sports. For it is through healthier bodies, quickness in physical movements, and resilience in mental strength that Malaysia will be more competitive in life and commerce.
“This, in turn, will bring us greater achievements on the global scale which will enable successes in sport to motivate our younger Malaysians and build a happier and prouder nation.
“Here’s wishing all those in Malaysia who celebrate, including my Christian families and friends here and all over the world a most Happy Christmas and a successful new year of 2024.”
Datuk James Selvaraj,
Former national shuttler
“I would like to wish all those celebrating a Merry Christmas and, at the same time, Happy Holidays to all Malaysians.
“For the new year, I hope that the sports scene will have better results compared to this year, especially since it will be an Olympic year, and we have been aiming for our elusive gold medal. I hope the athletes give their all to win it. It can be anyone who wins it, but as long as we bring the gold home.
“I also wish that in 2024, we Malaysians will unite for the betterment of the country regardless of race and religion.”
Sarina Sundara Rajah,
Safe Sport Malaysia president and 1998 Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnastic gold medallist
“I would like to wish a Merry Christmas to those celebrating and Happy Holidays to all Malaysians. As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, let us embrace the promise of a fresh start. In the coming year, may we strive for unity, kindness, and progress.
“My new year’s hope is for a Malaysia where every girl can freely express herself through sports, standing tall and realising her agency as a woman.
“I envision a celebration of sports as a realm of unfettered expression, devoid of abuse, discrimination, or intimidation.
As Malaysians join together in celebrating the festive season and welcoming the new year, may the spirit of unity and progress guide the path towards a triumphant 2024.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from Scoop Sports, as we look forward to a year filled with achievements and shared victories. – December 25, 2023