PETALING JAYA: The newer sports came alive at the Asian Games to prove they were more than numbers-fillers.
And they will be going for a bigger bite in funding in a bid to produce stronger results for Malaysia in future events.
Padel, making its Asian Games debut, gave the country a silver through Christian Didier Chin and Aidan Yunus in the men’s pairs.
E-sports was even more productive, yielding one gold, two silvers and two bronzes.
The Gran Turismi 7 gold medal winner Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira is eyeing for more honours.
Together, both padel and e-sports contributed six out of the total 32 medals.
“Honestly, it’s something I never thought would happen in my sim racing career,” said the 27-year-old Izrin.
“From April until September, it was months of hard work, sacrifice and repeating the same routine every single day.
“There were good days, bad days, tired days and plenty of frustration – but we kept going.
“Looking back now, every late night, early morning, mistake and difficult session was worth it.”
Malaysia also won silver thorough Farish Luzman-Hakimin Hariz Hazmi (e-football) and the Honor of Kings squad.
Both sports are young at this level, but there is time to build.
