What began as a simple stroll in honour of Malaysia’s sporting greats has now found its stride as an annual celebration of wellness, heritage, and heart.
With RM100,000 raised from the inaugural Walk with Al-Sultan Abdullah: The King of Sports on Nov 5, the event will return next year – ready to welcome even more heroes of Malaysian sport, especially those from the last two decades.
The walk was born out of a royal vision from Pahang ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who wanted to honour Malaysia’s former sporting greats.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, who once headed both the national football and hockey associations and held top positions in international sporting bodies, is renowned for his lifelong passion for sport. He conceived the idea of celebrating generations of Malaysian athletes – from Olympians to national champions – through a walk at the iconic Stadium Merdeka.
Datuk Christopher Raj, founder and chief executive officer of ShekhinahPR, said he was deeply honoured that his company led this national legacy initiative in partnership with Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah.
“My heartfelt appreciation goes to Al-Sultan Abdullah, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and the royal family for gracing the occasion,” he said.
“The walk will now be an annual affair – and next year, we’ll shine the spotlight on even more of our former greats, especially those aged 50 and 60.”
Among those who joined the inaugural walk were national diving legend Datuk Leong Mun Yee, who represented Malaysia in five Olympic Games, and Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin, three-time Olympian and former captain of the national hockey team.
Others who took part included sprint queen G. Shanti, who held the women’s 100m national record for over three decades, rugby stalwart Jagjit Singh, who once captained Selangor and the national side, and K. Maheswari, former captain of the Malaysian women’s hockey team.
Football icons Datuk Santokh Singh and Datuk Wira Soh Chin Ann – synonymous with Malaysia’s golden footballing era – also attended, as did badminton great Datuk Rashid Sidek, who won a bronze medal at the 1996 Olympic Games.
They were among the 150 guests and participants at the event, which raised RM60,000 for the National Athletes Welfare Fund and RM40,000 for the Association of Former State and National Football Players.
It was a fitting tribute to those who once carried the nation’s hopes and dreams on their shoulders.
