Flying tiger, gold suits as SEA Games open

KUALA LUMPUR: A flying tiger, shiny gold suits and a parade of marching bands took centre stage as the Southeast Asian Games opened in a glittering ceremony here on Saturday.

More than 4,000 athletes from 11 nations strode into the Malaysian capital’s newly refurbished, 87,000-capacity Bukit Jalil stadium, which was sold out for the vibrant show.

Torrential rain early on failed to dampen enthusiasm as the hosts put on an entertaining spectacle before Malaysia’s king, Sultan Muhammad V, formally opened the two-week Games.

About 4,200 athletes are competing for 404 gold medals in sports ranging from boxing and equestrianism to petanque, speed skating and lawn bowls at the popular and unique SEA Games.

Games mascot Rimau, a fluffy Malayan tiger, flew into the stadium on a wire, after LED-lit pedal cars and flag-wavers wearing glittering gold suits had entertained the crowd.

The biennial SEA Games, formerly the Southeast Asian Peninsula Games, have been running since 1959, when the region was still emerging from its long era of colonialism.  —AFP