Don’t go overboard with your winning celebrations, Asiad athletes told

KUALA LUMPUR: National athletes have been told to stay cool and avoid exuberant celebrations if they win medals at the Asian Games in Indonesia next month.

Chef-de-mission of the Malaysian contingent Datuk Seri Azim Mohd Zabidi said they have identified three sports – pencak silat, badminton and football – where trouble is likely to flare up from local fans.

The Asian Games will take place in Jakarta and Palembang from Aug 18-Sept 2 with 40 sports involved.

“If you have won your event, please do not provoke or show off that you are very good.

“Please exit the stage in a good way as we do not want to give any reason for the locals to create any unwanted situation.

“We have to prepare for any eventuality over there," said Azim after meeting the pencak silat team at Wisma OCM yesterday.

In the past, there have been cases of crowd trouble when it comes to sports events held in Indonesia.

The most recent incident happened earlier this month when the Malaysian players were pelted with stones and bottles by Indonesian fans in the semi-final of the AFF Under-19 Cup at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Gresik, Indonesia.

Azim added that the flag-handing ceremony for the Malaysian contingent will take place on Aug 10.

Karate exponent Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan will be the flagbearer for the Asian Games.