Millennium’s first SEA Games begins

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia formally raises its curtains for the first Southeast Asian Games of the new millennium in what is highly anticipated to be a spectacular opening ceremony Saturday at the sprawling National Stadium Sports Complex here.

The inaugural rites for the 21st edition of the region’s premier sportsfest is expected to rival the one in 1998 when the Malaysians hosted the Commonwealth Games.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad and other leading Malaysian government and royal dignitaries will grace the rites with Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, the reigning king, formally declaring the Games open.

Malaysia is hosting the Games as part of its month-long independence celebration 44 years after it was liberated from British rule.

Malaysians are keen on matching, if not surpassing, their second overall performance in Brunei two years ago when they bagged 57 gold, 45 silver and 30 bronze medals.

They have set a target of 80 golds, while its main rival, defending overall champion Thailand, is reportedly eyeing 90 golds.

With total of 356 campaigners here, the Philippines is just as eager to improve on their fifth overall finish in Brunei, hoping to double their 20-gold output.

For added motivation, the PSC will give P100,000 for the gold medalist, P50,000 for the silver winner and P25,000 for the bronze medalist. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has also pledged a six-figure bonus for the gold medalist.

While their teammates will be at the opening rites, the RP trap and the men’s gymnastic squads will be doing battle in their respective events.

Jimmy Recio, the men’s trap champion in the Brunei Games, spearheads the bid of the Filipino marksmen, who are aiming to sweep the team and individual trap events at the Subang range.

Other members of the team are Eric Ang, Jethro Dionisio, Rodolfo Martinez and Jose Corral.

Fresh from its training stint in Toronto, Canada, the gymnastic squad of Roel, Al and Rico Ramirez and Bonnie Brydon Sy will strut their wares at the Putra Stadium in the National Sports Complex.

According to the SEA Games website, 5,855 athletes and officials have gathered for these Games.

A total of 391 gold medals in 32 disciplines will be up for grabs, the bulk of which staked in athletics (46), swimming (43) and shooting (36).

Pencak silat offers 21 golds, gymnastics, wushu and cycling stake 20 each while karatedo has 19.