Walk With Al-Sultan Abdullah: King of Sports

Malaysia celebrated its rich sporting heritage and the spirit of national unity through the “Walk With Al-Sultan Abdullah: The King of Sports” initiative, held at the historic Stadium Merdeka.

The initiative was graciously led by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, together with Her Royal Highness the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.

The symbolic walk, organised by Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah (YASA) in partnership with ShekhinahPR, brought together more than 150 invited guests, comprising Malaysia's sporting legends and former national athletes who have proudly carried the Malaysian flag on the international stage.

Among the distinguished attendees were Datuk Leong Mun Yee, Malaysia's former diving queen who represented the nation in five Olympic Games; Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin, former captain of the national men's hockey team and three-time Olympian; Shanti Govindasamy, former national sprinter and long-time 100-metre women's record holder; and Jagjit Singh, former national and Selangor rugby captain. Also present were football greats Datuk Santokh Singh and Datuk Soh Chin Ann, as well as badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek, the 1996 Olympic bronze medallist.

As a gesture of generosity and compassion, Al-Sultan Abdullah graciously presented contributions through YASA amounting to RM60,000 to Yayasan Kebajikan Atlet Kebangsaan (YAKEB), as well as RM40,000 to Persatuan Bekas Pemain Bola Sepak Negeri & Kebangsaan, in recognition of former footballers who have brought glory to Malaysia.

ShekhinahPR Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Christopher Raj, said the event was a meaningful success that fulfilled its purpose of honouring Malaysia's sporting heroes and uniting the community through wellness and heritage: “We are deeply grateful for the success of Walk With Al-Sultan Abdullah: The King of Sports, and truly hope our former athletes feel appreciated and celebrated for their lifelong service to the nation.”

The walk concluded with a Royal High Tea in honour of Malaysia's sporting heroes — a powerful reminder of the nation's enduring unity, wellbeing and sporting excellence.