ESports team eye golden debut in Manila

SERI KEMBANGAN: Malaysia eSports team want to start their SEA Games debut with a bang in the Philippines in November.

They are aiming to bag one gold and three silver medals.

While the National Sports Council have yet to set targets, eSports Malaysia (eSM) acting secretary Saiful Azlan Ismail said they believe they can win gold in either Mobile Legends or Tekken.

The other games contested are Arena of Valor, Dota 2 and Starcraft II.

Saiful said eSM proposed a different list of games to the Philippines’ Olympic Council for consideration, which included Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA 19, but the hosts refected it.

“We are disappointed that these games are not included but we’ve no control as the hosts have picked games that would help them win medals,” said Saiful, who was at the launch of the Kuala Lumpur eSport Association at the Palace of Golden Horses here yesterday.

“Malaysia have many good Mobile Legends and Tekken gamers and we are looking at winning one gold and three silvers through them. We are not that strong in other events.”

Except for Kedah and Perlis, all states have conducted their selection trials. Those selected will take part in the National Finals next month.

A team of five will be selected for Dota 2 and Arena of Valor respectively, while the other games will be represented by two gamers each.

“We have identified a few good talents. The best from the Finals will go through a boot camp from May until November to prepare for the Games,” said Saiful.