Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and president of the Badminton World Federation, has congratulated Malaysia on the groundbreaking of its long-awaited Olympic House, calling it a landmark moment for the nation’s sporting movement.
Khunying Patama joined Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in officiating the ceremony for the new headquarters of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) in Bukit Jalil on August 7. The 93-million-ringgit complex will serve as a hub for national sports associations and a symbol of Malaysia’s Olympic ambitions.
“As a member of the IOC, I have always believed in the profound capacity of sport to transcend boundaries, transform lives and strengthen the fabric of society,” Khunying Patama said. “It is with great admiration that I witness the realisation of a bold and visionary initiative such as the Olympic House under the leadership of Dr Norza Zakaria. This is not merely an infrastructure project — it is a national statement of purpose, built on unity, sustainability and a shared belief in the limitless potential of sport.”
She praised Mr Anwar’s message that sport should unite all Malaysians, saying it “deeply resonates with the very essence of Olympism” and reflects “principled leadership and unwavering support for the role of sport in building inclusive and peaceful communities.”
Khunying Patama also took the opportunity to extend her heartfelt congratulations to Mr Anwar, who currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), for his outstanding efforts in mediating peace in the recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
“I am deeply impressed by the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has played a significant role as a peacemaker, successfully facilitating a ceasefire agreement between the two countries,” she said.
“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a highly respected statesman, and I have conveyed my gratitude to him on behalf of the Thai people for his noble and selfless contribution towards fostering peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region,” Khunying Patama added.
Khunying Patama also lauded Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for “using sport as a platform for youth empowerment, national identity and collective purpose,” and commended Dr Norza’s “steady leadership” in redefining the role of a national sporting body.
“This landmark is far more than bricks and mortar. It is a living embodiment of Malaysia’s confidence, courage and aspiration to lead through example — not just in Southeast Asia, but on the global sporting stage,” she said. “When sport is guided by clarity of vision and strength of values, it becomes a catalyst not only for excellence, but for unity, progress and peace.”
The Olympic House is expected to be completed in the coming years, providing a central venue to support athletes, officials and sports development nationwide.
Khunying Patama joined Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in officiating the ceremony for the new headquarters of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) in Bukit Jalil on August 7. The 93-million-ringgit complex will serve as a hub for national sports associations and a symbol of Malaysia’s Olympic ambitions.
“As a member of the IOC, I have always believed in the profound capacity of sport to transcend boundaries, transform lives and strengthen the fabric of society,” Khunying Patama said. “It is with great admiration that I witness the realisation of a bold and visionary initiative such as the Olympic House under the leadership of Dr Norza Zakaria. This is not merely an infrastructure project — it is a national statement of purpose, built on unity, sustainability and a shared belief in the limitless potential of sport.”
She praised Mr Anwar’s message that sport should unite all Malaysians, saying it “deeply resonates with the very essence of Olympism” and reflects “principled leadership and unwavering support for the role of sport in building inclusive and peaceful communities.”
Khunying Patama also took the opportunity to extend her heartfelt congratulations to Mr Anwar, who currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), for his outstanding efforts in mediating peace in the recent border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
“I am deeply impressed by the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has played a significant role as a peacemaker, successfully facilitating a ceasefire agreement between the two countries,” she said.
“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is a highly respected statesman, and I have conveyed my gratitude to him on behalf of the Thai people for his noble and selfless contribution towards fostering peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region,” Khunying Patama added.
Khunying Patama also lauded Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for “using sport as a platform for youth empowerment, national identity and collective purpose,” and commended Dr Norza’s “steady leadership” in redefining the role of a national sporting body.
“This landmark is far more than bricks and mortar. It is a living embodiment of Malaysia’s confidence, courage and aspiration to lead through example — not just in Southeast Asia, but on the global sporting stage,” she said. “When sport is guided by clarity of vision and strength of values, it becomes a catalyst not only for excellence, but for unity, progress and peace.”
The Olympic House is expected to be completed in the coming years, providing a central venue to support athletes, officials and sports development nationwide.
