~* mY rEmiNiScEncES *~

A breath of new life into the Malaysian heroes!

Designed by the homegrown award-winning fashion designer Melinda Looi, new team uniform has recently showcased by the Malaysian contingent in Glasgow, Scotland on July 23rd at the opening of XX Commonwealth Games.

Known as the “Wira Malaysia (in Malay language)” or “Malaysian Heroes”, this whole new collection replaces previous national sports kit which had been utilized for about 10 years. Inspired by the tigers which symbolize the majestic strength and power of Malaysia’s national animal, Melinda has infused the unique feature of feline muse into two bold and vibrant prints into the sports kits, including a set of March Pass uniform, athlete’s kit consisting of one track suit, two polo tees, two V-neck tees, cap, and a trolley bag. This official sports collection was officiated by the Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister, YB Khairy Jamaluddin and recently unveiled to the media on June 26th at Majilis Sukan Negara at Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

Melinda explained the idea behind her design as follows: “I refer to our athletes as ‘Malaysian Heroes’. They are modern-day warriors; dedicated individuals who train hard every day so that they can represent our country on the global arena. I am impressed by their hard work and discipline, and also the pressure they overcome on a daily basis. They made me feel so proud to be Malaysian and so honored to dress them in my creations.”

This multi-award winning designer who is recognized for her signature avant-garde, haute couture and costume design flair was engaged by the Youth and Sports Ministry of Malaysia to design the team uniform.

According to Melinda, March Pass uniforms integrate the colors of tiger’s coat with patterns commonly found in songket (Malaysian traditional woven fabric). The cultural costumers that will be put on by the athletes for the opening ceremony parade: sampin (a sarong-like cloth tied around the waist during formal occasions) for men’s Baju Melayu (traditional Malay men’s costume) and selendang (long rectangular shawl) draped over the shoulders and over the head with women’s Baju Kurung (traditional Malay women’s attire) are embellished with an ethnic twist. The gradient shades of orange and black portrayed in the contemporary and sporty set of stripes typify the athletes’ power and energy. Few modifications on the original designs were made to accommodate to the needs of different athletes. Thus, some round-necked shirts were altered to V-necks to facilitate the movement of the athletes on their battle field; the zipper openings in the Polo T-shirt were altered to the conventional buttons as it could be distracting and problematic.

This “Malaysian Heroes” project which was spearheaded by Melinda had been working closely with the National Sports Council Director General Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong, Olympic Council of Malaysia and the Yonex team, the main sponsor of the tracksuits. Although Khairy articulated that the pattern of the designs does not define victory, the patterns will indeed stage the national identity, inspire and lift up the team’s spirit.

With this newly-designed sports gear, Malaysian contingent hopes to accomplish glorious victory and roar proudly at upcoming 17th Asian Games, the largest sporting event in Asia governed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and will be held in Incheon, South Korea from September 19 to October 4!

Malaysia boleh!

 This article was written by an official member of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games bloggers, IAG Crew. 
Some contents might be different from official position of the Organizing Committee.