Malaysia get a place

FOOTBALL is back on the list with Malaysia granted a spot in the 29th Summer Universiade on August 19-30 in Taiwan after China withdrew.

This was confirmed by Education Ministry sports division assistant secretary Tony Azman Hassan at the draw for the event last Tuesday in Taipei.

“China withdrew, so Malaysia get to play. We only found out when two of our officials went there a couple of days ago for the draw.

“This doesn’t put a dent in our preparations as we have been on preparation mode ever since we were told we weren’t going (earlier).

Malaysia have been drawn in Pool B with Japan, Uruguay and Canada while Pool A will see hosts Taiwan with Ireland, France and Mexico, Pool C consists of Italy, Brazil, Russia and America while Pool D will see matches between South Korea, South Africa, Ukraine and Argentina.

Malaysia will now participate in a total of six sports (wushu, badminton, archery, athletics, golf and football) which equates to a 91-member contingent (62 athletes and 29 officials).

Former national footballer Mohd Nidzam Jamil will be the head coach for the team.

The team are now entering phase three of their training at the Islamic University of Science Malaysia (USIM). Farah Azharie