HUANG SATISFIED
Chef de Mission happy with contingent’s achievements despite not finishing in top 10
THE Malaysian contingent’s Chef de Mission (CDM), Huang Ying How is satisfied with their achievements at the Commonwealth Games despite failing to finish in the top 10 as initially targeted.
As soon as the badminton event ended yesterday and the games came to an end with the closing ceremony, the national contingent finished 12th in the overall medals tally, with seven gold, five silver and 12 bronze medals.
“I am not focused on the amount of medals that we won. In fact I am happy with the gold medals that we are bringing home with us,” Ying How said when met after Malaysia won their sixth and seventh gold medals at the Games through badminton, thanks to Lee Chong Wei in men’s singles and Vivian HoChow Mei Kuan in women’s doubles.
“However I am disappointed with those who were supposed to bag gold in their events but were unable to do so, such as rhythmic gymnastics and diving as examples, as Pandelela Rinong did qualify for the final of the 10m platform with a strong showing, but in the final she failed to shine.
“I am sure we would have won more gold medals but it has to be noted that all the athletes did try their best, though it is disappointing nevertheless that some athletes who were supposed to win gold in their events, did not.
“I am happy for those who succeeded but am disappointed with those who failed.”
However at the same time, Ying How did praise the fighting spirits displayed by a few of the athletes who had the odds stacked against them but they managed to turn things around to win gold.
“Our lawn bowl athletes were in a tough spot before they eventually prevailed for the gold, the same goes for Chong Wei who faced World No 1 K. Srikanth of India who was in the best position to win the gold but Chong Wei rose to the occasion to deliver yet again, and our women’s doubles also pulled off an amazing feat to win their final,” said Ying How.