MALAYSIA will begin their Asian Games challenge in Incheon, South Korea, on Thursday. They have a tall order to fulfil. In Guangzhou in 2010, Malaysia secured their best-ever Asiad haul with nine golds, 18 silvers and 14 bronzes. This time, the gold medal target has been set at eight. And chef de mission Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah is confident his charges can meet the target. Here, he talks to StarSport’s S. Ramaguru about his aspirations for the contingent.
Starsport: What are your expectations?
Danyal: Like all leaders, I expect every individual athlete/coach involved in this Asiad to give his or her best for the country. They must stay focused and be committed throughout the Games. There are no two ways about it. The public’s expectations are high, thus we must try our level best to fulfil the nation’s dream.
Starsport: Which sports do you think can surprise us at these Games?
Danyal: We are expecting hockey, shooting and cycling to deliver after their dismal performances at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last month. I also expect a credible show from Lee Chong Wei after his recent heartbreaking loss to China’s Chen Long at the World Championships in Denmark. We are also banking on bowling, archery and sailing to deliver.
Starsport: Do you have any advice for the athletes as they move into competition mode?
Danyal: For those who failed in the Commonwealth Games, they need to put aside their bitter and negative thoughts. It’s over and done with. They need to move on with positive things on their minds. There is also a need for self-discipline and trust and respect for their coaches.
Starsport: What is your management style and how do you plan to motivate the teams?
Danyal: Basically, it will be hands-on. As the chef de mission, I met the athletes, officials and coaches before coming to Incheon. I visited them during their training sessions. I took these opportunities to deliver my expectations and advise them accordingly. We did what we can to motivate them, including at the final camp at Palm Garden, IOI, in Putrajaya earlier this month. We also invited guest speakers like Minister of Youth and Sports Khairy Jamaluddin and Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan. We also organised a forum with former squash international Sharon Wee as moderator. And we had world No. 1 squash player Nicol David, bowler Shalin Zulkifli and ex-karate international R. Puvanesvaran giving inspiration talks to the athletes and coaches.
During the camp, I also introduced the media to the athletes and coaches to give them self-confidence. We also taught them on how to engage the media to their advantage.
Starsport: The Commonwealth Games outing was seen as a failure as the contingent failed to achieve the seven-gold target. Will the medal count be your guide to a successful outing in Incheon?
Danyal: Sorry, I don’t share that view. The medal count is only a guide and a measurement tool. A country’s participation in a multi-sport event is not all about winning alone. We, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), advocate the inculcation of the Olympic values – that participation precedes winning, among others. If winning is the only reason for our participation, then we should do away with putting the athletes under Categories A and B and just send prospective gold medal winners only! Why bother with the Olympic values?
Starsport: Finally, what are your thoughts as the Games begin on Friday?
Danyal: I have this gut feeling that the contingent will not let me down without a fight! I want every one in my contingent to go out there and give his or her all and have fun whilst attempting to bring glory to the nation. Malaysia Boleh!
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