Sailing squad optimistic of repeating SEA Games 2015 success

KUALA LUMPUR: The national sailing squad is optimistic about repeating the success it had in Singapore two years ago at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games scheduled for August.

In Singapore, the squad, which initially targeted to bag three gold medals, succeeded in clinching seven out of the 20 gold medals contested, hence became the second biggest contributor of gold medals for Malaysia after the diving squad, which won eight.

This year, despite only 14 gold medals being contested, Malaysian Sailing Association honorary secretary Megat Fairuz Khairuddin appeared confident that the national squad could repeat the excellent performance.

“Although we only target five gold medals this time around, the sailors are definitely capable of repeating the past success. What’s important is that they remain focus to maintain the success momentum,” he told Bernama.

Twenty-two sailors will shoulder the national challenge 14 events at the Games this year, namely in seven men’s events, six women’s events and one mixed event.

Megat Fairuz said Malaysia is banking on the gold medals from the men’s International 420 and women’s International 470 events, optimistic mixed team event and several individual events.

“Our athletes’ preparation is at the third and final phase, that is the specific preparation phase. Many of them are undergoing training and taking part in various championships abroad including in Europe, Singapore and Thailand.

“The SEA Games sailing event will take place from Aug 21 to 29 at the National Sailing Centre in Langkawi,” he added.