Asian Games CDM throw down challenge to athletes

KUALA LUMPUR: Four years ago, Malaysia bagged nine gold, 18 silver and 13 bronze medals en route to their best ever achievements at the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010.

But Incheon Games chef-de-mission Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah has challenged the Malaysian contingent to surpass the haul when the quadrennial Games gets underway from Sept 19-Oct 4.

Danyal is convinced the national athletes for the Games will not be affected following the poor performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The Malaysian contingent fell short of a gold medal in their seven-gold target.

“We are competing in 29 sports (out of 36) and with several top athletes involved, especially the return of Lee Chong Wei, we can expect some impressive results,” said Danyal at the Samsung Asian Games Campaign for Incheon 2014 Media Conference here on Wednesday.

“In 2010, we returned with a tally of 9-18-13 but we can certainly look forward to improving the haul.”

In Guangzhou, squash, led by Nicol David, was the biggest contributor with three golds, followed by karate (two), bowling (two), track cycling and wushu (one each) and the contingent is expected to rely on the five sports to deliver again.