KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu announced today that the Malaysian contingent will target six gold medals for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Speaking at a press conference during the Jalur Gemilang handover ceremony today, he said the reduced target comes as several athletes were forced to pull out from competing.
“This time, our squash player S. Sivasangari will not be able to represent the nation because of her accident.
“Our powerlifter Jong Yee Khie also pulled out from the games due to an injury,” he said.
Faizal said the target now includes one gold medal each for diving, weightlifting, badminton, rhythmic gymnastics, lawn bowls, and powerlifting.
He also added that a total of 105 athletes together with 44 officials will be representing the nation for the upcoming games scheduled to begin on July 28 to August 8.
The Malaysian contingent will participate in 14 sports, as well as four in the para sports category.
Meanwhile, along with words of wisdom, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob wished the Malaysian contingent the best as he handed over the Jalur Gemilang to the athletes.
Ismail Sabri said he is confident that the nation’s best will bring back medals from England.
“During the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, we won seven gold medals.
“I am confident that this time we can achieve the medal target,” he said.
He added that Malaysian athletes need to show the world their fighting spirit and persistence in the toughest of situations.
“Whether you win or lose, show the world the Harimau Malaya spirit. You are not just representing yourselves, but the whole country.
“Every Malaysian wants to see the Jalur Gemilang wave and hear Negaraku play in Birmingham,” he added. – The Vibes, July 19, 2022
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