AUG: INDONESIA FAVOURITE FOR OVERALL TITLE - CDM

From Nurul Izzati Mansor

SURABAYA, June 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's chef de mission (CDM) to the 2024 Asean University Games (AUG) said Indonesia has the edge in the chase for top honours at the meet, which begins tomorrow in Surabaya and Malang.

Suhairi Ismail said the host contingent will pose a significant challenge for Malaysia in vying for the top spot on the medal tally at the biennial event, which runs until July 6.

He said Malaysia should be able to finish at least third overall if they achieve their target of 35 gold medals.

"It is similar to the SEA Games where the host enjoys an advantage by determining the types of sports to be contested, so the host will have the edge in the race to be overall champions.

"We have also analysed the strength of athletes from other countries, for example, in swimming, Singapore and the Philippines are strong contenders. Our target is to be in the third place overall. We are confident we can achieve this target based on the motivation of our athletes," he told reporters here yesterday.

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

Suhairi reminded the national athletes to watch their diet and maintain discipline at the games.

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.

Malaysia won 49 gold, 83 silver and 52 bronze medals at the last AUG in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand in 2022.

-- BERNAMA