Sports fanatics may recall that just a few days ago on Thursday, 25 January, Malaysia’s national football team, Harimau Malaya, achieved a remarkable accomplishment by recording a tie against the South Korean football team during a match for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup.
While our national football team did not progress forward in the competition, they were recently welcomed back from Qatar, receiving a worthy celebration for their tremendous effort in their match against the South Korean team, who many regard as one of the best football squads at present-day.
To welcome them home, Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh greeted the team at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), sharing the wholesome moment to her TikTok page @hannahyeohmp.
Standing outside the baggage terminal, the minister first greeted Harimau Malaya’s manager and head coach, Kim Pan-gon, before placing a national sash around his neck. She proceeded to welcome and greet all the other players of Harimau Malaya, including captain of the team Safawi Rasid.
Speaking on the team’s outstanding performance, Yeoh stated on her Instagram page @hannahyeoh that Harimau Malaya’s match against South Korea acts as a crucial and important memory for the children of Malaysia. Yeoh also expressed her pride for Harimau Malaya, stating that this may hopefully encourage them to continue qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup every year from this point onwards.
“I am so happy that our youth will now have memories of that night to restore confidence, and not just constantly be told of past glory and yesteryears. To inspire our future generation, we need new encounters and experiences,” she wrote in her Instagram Story.
Receiving praise from many Malaysians online, multiple people applauded Yeoh for giving encouragement to our national football team no matter the outcome.
“Harimau Malaya did a great job, and to our minister who gave them motivation during this period, may the performance of sports in our country continue to prosper,” wrote one user.
Watch the full TikTok clip below:
@hannahyeohmp Teruskan usaha untuk layak ke setiap Piala Asia! #harimaumalaya #kimpangon #faisalhalim #bolasepak #asiancup2023 #pialaasia2023 #football #arifaiman #kbs #msn #adamadli #hanayo #fyp
Congratulations on making our country proud, Harimau Malaya! May there be many more successes in the future.
