AUG: ATHLETICS EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE BULK OF MALAYSIA'S GOLD MEDAL HAUL - PEKAN

From Nurul Izzati Mansor

SURABAYA, June 24 (Bernama) -- Athletics is a potential gold mine for Malaysia in the Asean University Games 2024 (AUG) in Surabaya and Malang, expected to contribute up to 15 of the 35 gold medals targeted by the national contingent, according to Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli of the Higher Education Ministry.

"We expect athletics to achieve excellent success because, based on an analysis, at least 10 gold medals are in hand. We also have Shereen (Samson Vallabouy) and Muhammad Azeem (Mohd Fahmi).

"We are also confident that combat sports can contribute gold medals even though we know the host is quite strong in sports like silat, karate and taekwondo. Swimming can also be another source of gold medals," said Pekan, the ministry's Sports Section, Strategic Planning Division deputy secretary.

Last Tuesday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the Malaysian contingent is targeted to bring home 35 gold medals from the biennial games. 

The 35-gold target is realistic based on the analysis of the performance of athletes competing in the games, Pekan told reporters here today.

"Leading up to the AUG in Indonesia, managers have indeed analysed the performance of athletes they know in Southeast Asia. They guarantee the target of 35 gold medals.

"We also take into account sports in which we will not be able to surpass the host, which is why the target is 35 gold medals. However, in my opinion, we can exceed the target," he said.

The target of 35 gold medals is the same as that for the last edition two years ago in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, where Malaysia excelled by bringing home 49 gold, 61 silver and 42 bronze medals. 

Malaysia's contingent of 382 athletes and officials will compete in 18 out of the 20 events contested, and 400-metre runner Umar Osman will carry the Jalur Gemilang at the opening ceremony tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA