MALAYSIA EYES 35 GOLDS AT ASEAN VARSITY GAMES

PUTRAJAYA, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian contingent is targeting 35 gold medals at the ASEAN University Games (AUG) 2024, which will be held from June 25 to July 6 in Surabaya and Malang, Indonesia.

The target was announced by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, who hopes that the national athletes can excel and dominate the events they participate in.

"I understand that 35 gold medals are the target for the Malaysian contingent. But I believe we might achieve more than that.

"The most important thing is that the athletes need to give their best because nothing is impossible. In sports, what drives athletes to achieve success is their fighting spirit," he said after handing over the Jalur Gemilang to chef de mission Suhairi Ismail here today.

Malaysia, represented by 382 athletes and officials, will participate in 18 of the 20 events to be contested in the biennial event.

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

Zambry also said the incentives for medallists at the games have been increased to RM3,000 for gold, RM2,000 for silver and RM1,500 for bronze.

Meanwhile, Umar Osman has set a dual mission for his debut at the games, aiming to win gold and break his national 400 metres record of 46.09 seconds, set at the World University Games (Universiade) in Chengdu, China, last August.

"I hope to strike gold at the AUG. I also want to break the national record but it depends on my condition.

"After the Malaysia Open, I feel fresh and free from injuries," said Umar, who has been named the flag bearer for the Malaysian contingent.

-- BERNAMA