Target is seven gold medals

gold medals is the target set for the Malaysian contingent bound for the Asian Games in Indonesia next week.

The official target was announced by Sports Minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman at the Jalur Gemilang flag handing over ceremony, which was officiated by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, yesterday.

“We have set a target of seven gold medals, but if we are lucky, we could hit 11.

“Among the sports that are expected to deliver are cycling, karate, sepak takraw, silat and bowling,” said Syed Saddiq.

At the 2014 edition in Incheon, Malaysia only managed five gold medals, three short of the target set then.

Syed Saddiq stressed on the importance of having a target, which will determine Malaysia’s final overall standing.

Meanwhile, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria believes the Malaysian contingent will have to win more than seven gold, if they want a top 10 finish at the Asiad.

A top 10 finish at the Asian and Commonwealth Games was the main objective behind the setting up of the National Podium Programme in 2016.

Norza said: “If we’re talking about a top 10 finish, then we have to win more than just seven gold medals.

“However, with the preparation undertaken by our athletes, I am confident they can do better. Setting a target of seven gold medals is just so that the athletes do not feel too pressured.

“As the minister had said earlier, they can hit 11 if they can reach their true potential.”