Positive outlook despite many obstacles

the kabaddi team not having a training venue, and no overseas stints, they still expect to do better than before.

This means they are aiming to finish than the fifth place recorded in Incheon, four years ago. Team manager M. Asohkan said there were many obstacles which have hindered their training.

And finding the right place to train was a headache, until last month when they were given the green light to use a public hall in Jenjarom, Selangor.

“Before this, we only trained every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with eight players because the rest of them are working with the police and army.

“They received late release letters form the National Sports Council (NSC),” said Asohkan.

The kabaddi squad missed a semi-final appearance by two points in Incheon four years ago but Asohkan said they have a stronger team for Jakarta even though they did not play in any international friendlies prior to the Games.

“This team is much better than the one we had for Incheon. However it’s a pity we could not travel to India and play friendlies there as they have many sparring teams.

“In comparison, Indonesia’s kabaddi players trained and competed in India for a month. And Incheon bronze medallists South Korea were also in India for three months.

“We only trained and played against our Under-19 squad,” lamented Asohkan.

In 2014, the Malaysian team were in Group B with Iran, South Korea and Japan. They lost 56-22 to Iran, beat Japan 23-19 and lost 38-32 to South Korea. India beat Iran 27-25 for gold.