By Selangor Journal Staff
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian contingent competing in the Jakarta Palembang 2018 Asian Games had an uplifting Friday morning pep talk with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
During the ceremony to hand over the Jalur Gemilang to the contingent, Mahathir wants Team Malaysia to emulate its 2010 success and emerge as the Top 10 nation in the medal tally again.
He said if Malaysia could do it at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, there is no reason why they can’t repeat it this year in Indonesia.
“I don’t see why we can’t repeat it in 2018. I am confident that our contingent can record success that is even more meaningful.”
“I believe all of you can do it because you have trained hard for this,” said the premier during the ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Malaysia ranked 10th place in the 2010 Asian Games after successfully winning nine gold medals. They won five gold medals in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman today said that Malaysia currently has its eyes set on seven gold medals but hopes to bring back more than just that.
“For this year, we are aiming for seven gold medals but if luck is on our side and Insya’Allah we hope to obtain a total of 11 gold medals,” he told reporters after the ceremony.
He said sporting events that may contribute to Malaysia’s gold tally would come from athletes competing in cycling, karate, sepak takraw, pencak silat and ten-pin bowling.
The Asian Games will be held from Aug 18 to Sept 2.
