Bandar seri begawan: His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah graced the National Flag Handover Ceremony for the Brunei Darussalam contingent competing at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) 2025. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, also in attendance. Upon his arrival, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen was welcomed by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the ceremony began with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah by Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Kunchang. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports highlighted the dedication of the athletes, emphasizing that their selection for the Games was a result of their hard work and commitment. He encouraged the athletes to deliver their best performances and engage in healthy competition with their ASEAN counterparts.
In his sabda, the President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council underscored the opportunity the Games provide for athletes to showcase their competitive abilities. He also reminded them to adhere to anti-doping regulations and avoid prohibited substances. The national flag was then handed over to Dayang Hajah Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim, Youth and Sports Director, serving as the Chef de Mission.
Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Emran concluded the ceremony with a Doa Selamat. Brunei Darussalam will send 65 athletes to compete in nine events. Notably, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and Her Royal Highness Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah will participate in the Polo event in both Low Goal and High Goal categories. The SEA Games are scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 9th to 20th.