BANDUNG, 9 OCTOBER, 2010: Organising the Bandung Games for students from Malaysia and Indonesia has set the path for a new chapter in diplomatic relationship between the two countries said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
The Bandung Games, featuring about 2,000 Malaysian students studying in higher learning institutions in Indonesia and local students in Indonesia, started yesterday and would end tomorrow.
"Unlike other games organised for Malaysian students in other countries, the Bandung Games in Indonesia is unique because it features students from both countries," he said.
Ahmad Shabery said their participation in the games would help enhance unity between students from both countries and eliminate borders between Indonesia and Malaysia just like in Europe.
"Diplomatic relationship in sports has a wide scope and I wish to thank those who initiated this historic event," he said.
The three-day event held at Universiti Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) and Planet Dago features futsal, volleyball, basketball, badminton, netball, bowling and traditional games like congkak, batu seremban and Teng-teng.
One of the participants, Andri Francis Leong a medical student at Universiti Ktisten Krida in Jakarta, hoped the games would become an annual affair as it provides a good platform for interaction.
"I am very comfortable when playing with a team that comprised mostly Malaysian students. In fact, there is no difference among students from both countries. Our relationship has always been cordial," he said.
Bernama
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