Despite the busy schedule and the chase for medals at the 16th Asian Games, Muslim athletes from the various countries have

forgotten briefly their mission as they performed the prayers for Aidiladha, which is celebrated in Guangzhou today.

Almost 1,000 athletes, officials, volunteers and media personnel filled up the prayer hall at the religious service centre located in the Games Village to perform the prayer, led by an imam from a Beijing mosque, Yusuf Li.

Thirty Malaysian athletes led by Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek, his deputy Razali Ibrahim, and Malaysian chef-de-mission Zolkples Embong also joined in the prayer.

Although they were a long way from home, several officials from the National Sports Council wore the Malay dress to provide the Hari Raya atmosphere.

Razali himself wore a 'sarong', together with a Malay dress and a 'songkok' or headgear.

"I miss my kampung in Muar, Johor," he said in jest.

According to Yusuf, the Asian Games organisers had given him the task to lead today's prayer.

"I'm proud to be today's imam as the solat area was crowded with Muslims from all over the world," he told Bernama .