M’sia start quest for top 10 finish at Asian Games
JAKARTA: After the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April, the national contingent is now focused on the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games 2018.
The medal hunt officially kicks off tomorrow.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo is scheduled to open the Games at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium here today with several leaders from Asia attending including Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman. This is the second time Indonesia is hosting Asian Games, the second biggest sporting event in the world, since 1962 in Jakarta.
The Malaysian contingent led by chef- de-mission Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi are aiming for a top 10 finish, targeting at least seven gold medals in events which have previously contributed medals like cycling, karate, sepak takraw, pencak silat and tenpin bowling.
The 424-strong contingent this time will be competing in 35 out of 40 events on offer.
Malaysia will not be taking part in wrestling, softball, baseball, weightlifting and tennis.
The contingent is expected to win their first medals in either wushu, fencing or shooting tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Asian Games this time poses a challenge for the national elite athletes who are required to put up a creditable performance or face expulsion from the Podium Programme, which was introduced in 2016 to develop Malaysia’s top athletes.
Podium Programme director Tim Newenham has warned that they would be replaced by others if they failed to perform.
With the Games being held in Indonesia, the national athletes will also have to contend with the Indonesians as there is a great sporting rivalry between the two nations where emotions can run high especially among the local supporters.
A total of 11,686 athletes from 45 nations will be competing this time around with a notable difference – South Korea and North Korea are sending a combined team which will simply be known as ‘ Korea’ for three events – 5x5 basketball, canoeing and kayaking.
The Indonesian government and the organising committee INASGOC are also taking extra security measures this time to ensure the Games proceed smoothly.
Indonesian police spokesman Yusri Yunus said 40,000 police and military personnel are being deployed with security beefed up at the Games venues, airports, shopping complexes, hotels and tourist spots.
At the last edition in Incheon, South Korea in 2014, Malaysia won five gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze to finish 14th overall.