THE HUNT FOR GOLD BEGINS
Silat expected to deliver three of Malaysia’s seven gold target
AS the 18th Asian Games kick off in Indonesia today, there will be expectations and hopes on the Malaysian contingent. The Sport Ministry is not setting too high a target — seven gold medals from Malaysia in the world’s second biggest multisport event after the Olympics.
Malaysia will hope that their pencak silat exponents will deliver three gold as the sport makes its Asiad debut.
Malaysia’s world champion Mohd Jufferi Al-Jamari looks strong enough for gold in pencak silat. Only opponents from Indonesia are capable of giving him a fight.
Jufferi will be joined by other notable names in the Malaysian team such as Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir and Fauzi Khalid.
However, the bowlers are expected to deliver Malaysia’s first medal as the women’s team challenge begins in Palembang, today.
Following their successes at last year’s World Championship, Shalin Zulkifli, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi, Natasha Roslan, Sin Li Jane and Esther Cheah are again being counted on.
Meanwhile at the velodrome, Azizulhasni Awang is tipped to pedal his way to the keirin gold.
The former world champion will be joined by Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Fadhil Zonis, who can cause a huge upset in the team sprint event.
The next medal for Malaysia could be from another combat sport, karate as all hopes rest on Syakilla Salni Jefry Krisnan’s shoulders.
Legendary squash queen, Nicol David is also a strong bet for gold as she looks for memorable farewell to the Asian Games at the age of 35.
Hoping to prove that Malaysia are still a force in sepak takraw, the national team seek to end their 28-year drought at the Asian Games.
Despite being plagued by controversies, the sepak takraw team should be able to win a medal in the regu category (Malaysia last won in 1990) as their nemeses Thailand will not be competing.
In wushu, all eyes will be on Loh Jack Chang and Phoon Eyin who have been trusted with the mission of outdoing China for gold.
The other sports that Malaysia are counting on to make a surprise include sailing, archery and first-timers, paragliding.