KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian athletes representing the country at the Olympics Games opening ceremony in Paris will wear the Malay Traditional costume, named 'The Malaya' designed by renowned local designer pair Rizman Ruzaini.

'The Malaya' pays homage to pre-independence warriors and features Baju Kurung complete with a headscarf for female athletes, while the men will be dressed in Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga, complemented by songkok and sampin.

The costume was designed by local designer brand Rizman Ruzaini (Rizman Nordin and Ruzaini Jamil).

Rizman said he was proud that the contingent will be carrying with them the country's pride by adorning the cultural attire in Paris.

In a video posted by Sport Minister Hannah Yeoh on her Facebook page, he said the traditional attire will be worn with a matching "kerubong' that is synonymous with Malay women, making them look more polite and presentable.

"The Baju Teluk Belanga meanwhile was chosen as a symbol of respect for the newly installed King, (His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim), who is from Johor. This collection is an inspiration, (which) we wish to dedicate to our national heroes such as Datuk Maharajalela, Dol Said, Yamtuan Antah, Datuk Bahaman, Abdul Rahman Limbong, Tok Janggut, Mat Kilau and Tuanku Abdul Rahman," said creative director Ruzaini Jamil.

We specially chose the olive green colour with golden motives, which when seen under the light will appear golden, giving the athletes a sense of motivation to bring back the Gold Medal for Malaysia.

Ruzaini said colours selected such as browns and olive green evoke a classic aura and are 'very intimate to Asian skin'.

Rizman said the Songkek Busana and Scarf is also specially designed with unique motives that inspire our athletes taking part in the games to win the Gold medal.

"The scarf was specially designed to incorporate patriotic values thus the design included the Merdeka date, national day theme and other national and patriotic elements in its design," he said in the video.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1081637/malaysian-olympians-wear-malaya-rizman-ruzaini-paris-watch