Sukma 2014 host sets modest aim of 14 gold

HOST Perlis with a population of less than 300,000 is targeting a modest 14 gold medals, 15 silver medals and 10 bronze medals in the 17th Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2014 to be held from tomorrow to June 4.

Perlis Sports Council director Azahari Ramli said that as host, its players were expected to ride on the home ground advantage to perform well.

“We are placing our hope on weightlifting, lawn bowling, cycling, taekwondo, canoeing, karate, wushu and pencak silat to bring in the medals.

“Our target of 14-15-10 may not be our best collection but considering the opposition expected from giants like Sarawak, Selangor, Perak, Pahang and Johor, the haul that we are targeting will soothe our aspirations to do well in the games.

“Our athletes have been training hard.

“Hopefully those whom we have assessed to deliver the medals will rise to the occasion and bring glory to the state,” said Azahari.

Their contingent consists of 170 men, 190 women and 105 team officials and will compete in all 24 games.

For the record, Perlis’ best performance in the Sukma series was in 2010 when they bagged 29 medals — six gold, 12 silver and 11 bronze.

In the last games held in Kuantan in 2012, Perlis’ haul was four gold, five silver and 12 bronze medals.