Don’t be overconfident with favourable draws, NSC warns
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian athletes should not take the favourable draws in several team events at the upcoming 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines as an early sign for the national contingent to celebrate victory.
On the other hand, the athletes and coaches involved should be wary of the strategies of their opponents who could spring a surprise on them.
This reminder was given by the National Sports Council ( NSC) director- general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail when asked on the results of draws for several sports especially badminton and football which appeared to give Malaysia an edge.
“The draws for several team sports maybe a relief for the national contingent, but to me whether the draw is easy or not, the mission is still there.
“They have to perform as best as they can. Overconfidence can cost us dearly especially at group stage.
“So all coaches and athletes should know better. Do not take it easy, as if we have won with a good draw,” he told reporters at the National Sports Centre yesterday.
At the draw on Oct 15, the national football squad escaped the group of death when drawn with Myanmar, Philippines, Cambodia and Timor Leste while defending champions Thailand were in the same group with Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and Brunei.
For the badminton event, the men’s national squad which is seeded number two was drawn to meet Philippines in the quarter- finals while the women’s squad which was seeded number three will face Cambodia in the quarterfinals. — Bernama