Asian Games: Athletes Put Aside Competition To Perform Raya Prayers

Ahmad Shabery Cheek (centre) & fellow Muslims greeting each other on AidilAdha. Pic: Zid Omar From Zulhilmi Supaat GUANGZHOU, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Despite the busy schedule and the chase for medals at the 16th Asian Games, Muslim athletes from the various countries have forgotten briefly their mission as they performed the prayers for Aidiladha, which is celebrated here on Tuesday.

Almost 1,000 athletes, officials, volunteers and media personnel filled up the prayer hall at the Religious Service Centre located in the Games Village to perform the prayer, led by an Imam from Beijing Mosque, Yusuf Li.

Thirty Malaysian athletes led by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, his deputy Datuk Razali Ibrahim, and Malaysian chef-de-mission Datuk Zolkples Embong also joined in the prayer.

Although they were far away from home, several officials from the National Sports Council wore the Malay dress to provide the Hari Raya atmosphere.

Razali himself wore a 'sarong', together with a Malay dress and a 'songkok' or headgear.

"I miss my kampung in Muar, Johor," he said in jest.

According to Yusuf, the Asian Games organisers had given him the task to lead today's prayer.

"I'm proud to be today's Imam as the solat area was crowded with Muslims from all over the world," he told Bernama, here.

-- BERNAMA