PHNOM PENH, May 13 — The seemingly slow collection of gold medals may put Malaysia on the threshold of danger in reaching their target of 40 gold medals at the 2023 SEA Games before all events close this Tuesday (May 16).
The national contingent’s chef-de-mission (CDM) to the Games Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali admitted that although he is a little worried about the situation, he remains optimistic that there is still an opportunity for Malaysia to achieve the target.
“There are still a few days left, we have not lost confidence and anything can happen, we will not give up and fight until the end,” he told reporters after spending time watching the badminton competition at the Morodok Techo Badminton Hall, earlier today.
Thus, Mohd Nasir expects sports including judo, sepak takraw, weightlifting, and even jet skiing, to deliver the goods so that the target could be met.
“We are trying our luck at unexpected sports, today we have sent Deputy CDM Datuk Shalin Zulkifli to check on the jet ski camp in Sihanoukville even though we know they are competing for the first time (in the SEA Games).
“Our combat sports are also strong like what was exhibited in karate, silat and taekwondo, I hope judo will also be successful,” he said.
As of yesterday (May 12), Malaysia managed to win 28 gold, out of which four were contributed by the combat sports of karate, followed by four from silat and taekwondo (two).
In the meantime, Mohd Nasir also hoped that the men’s and women’s field hockey squads would not be overconfident, even though they are the favourites to sweep both categories this time.
At the same time, he also admitted that fortune was not on the side of the men’s and women’s indoor hockey squads after high hopes were placed on them to deliver gold but both ended up with silver.
Mohd Nasir added the men’s cricket squad was also unable to meet the target of three gold, following the host’s action of listing imported players from India and Pakistan who are indeed the great powers of world cricket.
The men’s and women’s indoor hockey squads lost to Indonesia and Thailand through penalty shootouts, 2 – 1, while the men’s cricket team failed to compete with Cambodia, which disappointed them in the 50-overs and Twenty20I (T20I) competitions.
Although all the events end on Tuesday, the SEA Games will officially close on Wednesday (May 17).
— Bernama
