Walk with Al-Sultan Abdullah celebrates Malaysia’s sporting heritage

The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who headed the national football and hockey associations and held top posts in international bodies, is renowned for his lifelong passion for sport.

On Nov 5, Al-Sultan Abdullah, who served Malaysia’s King from 2019 to 2024, will celebrate the country’s rich sporting heritage and collective spirit with Walk With Al-Sultan Abdullah: The King of Sports – a wellness-inspired royal engagement at the historic Stadium Merdeka.

The event, organised by ShekhinahPR in partnership with Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah, aims to unite Malaysians in a celebration of wellness, community, and national pride. The symbolic walk will bring together 150 guests, including former national athletes from various disciplines, at Stadium Merdeka, a historic venue symbolising the beginning of Malaysia’s journey in international sport.

Among the expected attendees are national diving legend Datuk Leong Mun Yee, who represented Malaysia in five Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Tokyo 2020); Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin, former captain of the national men’s hockey team and three-time Olympian (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000); former sprinter Shanti Govindasamy, who held the women’s 100m national record for 31 years; and Jagjit Singh, captain of the national rugby and Selangor teams during the 1970s and 1980s.

Two national football legends – Datuk Santokh Singh and former national team captain Datuk Wira Soh Chin Ann – are also expected to attend. Malaysian badminton great Datuk Rashid Sidek, who represented Malaysia in three Olympic Games (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000) and won a bronze medal in Atlanta, will also be present.

The event is supported by Bata, FWHS Medik, Merdeka 118, DCS Entertainment, Etika, and Prince Court Medical Centre.

“Walk With Al-Sultan Abdullah: The King of Sports is more than an event. It is an initiative that celebrates unity, wellness, and heritage through the simplest of acts,” said Datuk Christopher Raj, chief executive officer of ShekhinahPR.

He added that the gathering reinforces the role of sport as a platform for unity and wellbeing, where Malaysians can come together to celebrate heritage and shared values.

Walk With Al-Sultan Abdullah: The King of Sports promises to be a memorable celebration of history, movement, and national unity, reminding Malaysians that sometimes, the most meaningful steps are those taken together.