Men’s volleyball team can win a medal in 2017 Sea Games — CDM
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s SEA Games contingent ChefdeMission Datuk Marina Chin is optimistic that the men’s volleyball team can end a 15-year medal drought at the 2017 SEA Games hosted by Malaysia.
Marina Chin, a former National sprinter, said the team has been undergoing comprehensive training since last October and from the commitment and dedication shown by the players, there is every reason to believe the country’s medal drought in the event can come to an end.
“I am amazed by the commitment shown by some players who have decided to take a break from pursuing a degree at the university level, just to concentrate on training full time.
“Though they are young and inexperienced, the team looks better prepared. I am certain they will be able to put up a good performance in the SEA Games,” she said after visiting the training venue and preparations of the men’s SEA Games vol leybal l squad at the National Sports Institute ( ISN) here yesterday.
Meanwhile, National men’s volleyball team coach Tay Yeu Siong said though a majority of the players in the squad are young and lack experience, the team has the capability to win a medal.
As part of preparations, the men’s vol leybal l team would compete in the Datuk Bandar Shah Alam Trophy next month before leaving to Iran to compete in the Asian Under-23 Volleyball Championship in May.
The last time Malaysia won a medal was in the 2001 SEA Games when the men’s team had to settle for a silver after losing to Thailand in the final. — Bernama