AUG 2026 Torch Run Symbolises Malaysia's Spirit On ASEAN Stage

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN University Games (AUG) 2026 Torch Run began at the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in Putrajaya today as a symbol of the spirit of the Malaysian contingent ahead of the biggest university sports event in the ASEAN region.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir handed the AUG 2026 torch to Malaysian contingent chief Prof Dr Mohammad Ismail, who is also Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs), at a ceremony held in conjunction with the MOHE Monthly Assembly.

Zambry said national athletes must carry the spirit of victory while shouldering the responsibility of upholding Malaysia's name when competing on the regional stage.

"Carry the Malaysian torch and the torch of victory because you are also carrying the torch of our country, Malaysia," he said in a statement.

The torch run was also accompanied by four national athletes, namely long jumper Andre Anura Anuar, shot putter Nani Sahirah Maryata, karate athlete Thevendran Kaliana Sundram and taekwondo athlete Lee Hui Yee.

Andre and Nani represent Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Thevendran represents Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), while Hui Yee represents Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Polytechnic.

The torch run started from the MOHE grounds and proceeded to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) before returning to MOHE, while the subsequent torch journey will involve Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), UPM, UPNM, Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

AUG 2026, scheduled to take place from Dec 10 to 19, will bring together about 4,669 participants, including 2,849 athletes and officials from 11 countries, as well as 700 referees and competition officials and 920 volunteers.

A total of 19 sports will be contested in Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur, Serdang and Bangi under the theme "HOLISTIC.EXCELLENCE".

-- BERNAMA