PETALING JAYA: The 352-strong Malaysian contingent is already halfway to their six-gold target at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, putting the team on track for a successful campaign.
Chef de mission Datuk Sumali Reduan expressed satisfaction with the early results, praising the team's spirit.
"We've already achieved three gold medals, which means we are halfway towards our target,” said Sumali.
"It’s a very positive start, and I’m proud of the fighting spirit shown by our athletes."
Malaysia’s first gold came courtesy of karate exponent Adeola Fay Robert in the women's below-55kg kumite event on Tuesday, before C. Shahmalarani added another gold to the medal tally the next day in the below-50kg category.
The other gold came as a surprise from e-sports racer Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira on Wednesday. Malaysia had only managed a silver in the last Games.
The medal tally as of on Wednesday stands at three gold, one silver and five bronze medals. At the previous Games in Hangzhou, Malaysia secured six gold, eight silver, and 18 bronze medals.
With traditionally strong sports such as squash, cycling, hockey, badminton, and sepak takraw still ongoing, the contingent is well-positioned to surpass its overall target of six gold, seven silver, and 20 bronze medals.
However, Sumali cautioned against complacency as the Games enter their final week before concluding on Oct 4.
"So far, we are on the right track, but our mission is not finished yet."
"The targets remain our motivation, but I also want every athlete to concentrate on their own performance, one event and one match at a time."
"If they can do that, I believe we are capable of producing more surprises (like in e-sports).”
