BANGKOK: Malaysia’s athletes have “overcome the away-Games psychological barrier” after setting a new benchmark in the nation’s sporting history at the 2025 SEA Games, said Chef de Mission (CDM) Nurul Huda Abdullah.
Nurul Huda said the team had recorded its best-ever overall medal performance at a SEA Games held outside Malaysia.
As of the latest update, Malaysia had collected 57 gold, 57 silver and 116 bronze medals for a total haul of 230 medals, placing the country fourth overall in the medal standings.
“This is a significant milestone because it proves our athletes’ ability to perform at the highest level, irrespective of location or conditions.
“We have established a new benchmark in Malaysian sports history and this proves that we can overcome and have overcome the away-Games psychological barrier,” she said.
Nurul Huda credited the success to unity, consistent preparation and teamwork across all sports, noting that Malaysian athletes competed with determination and high spirits throughout the Games in Bangkok and Chonburi.
“It reflects not only the performance of the athletes, but also the depth across all sports, resilience under pressure and a collective belief among all of us,” she added.
She said feedback from athletes and team officials consistently highlighted improved preparation leading into the Games, with more competitive exposure, stronger team spirit and a positive environment contributing to the strong results.
“They were set for more competitions, they felt better prepared, the team spirit was very high, and we knew that the positivity and energy among the athletes and officials were there. We knew this was the start of something special,” she told a press conference today (Dec 20).
Nurul Huda also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) for its unwavering support, strategic guidance and resource allocation, describing the ministry as a key catalyst behind the contingent’s success.
“I would also like to record my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS). This achievement would not have been possible without their support.
“We express our highest appreciation to (KBS), especially to YB Hannah Yeoh, who provided unwavering support, strategic guidance and resource allocation,” she added.
