Team Malaysia is expected to bring the country’s first Olympic Games gold medal from Tokyo 2020!
Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican announced on July 19th that the Malaysian contingent bound for the Tokyo Olympics has set a target of winning three medals, one of them being the elusive gold medal.
Photo via The Straits Times
According to BERNAMA, Reezal Merican says realistically, badminton, cycling and diving represent the country’s main hope of succeeding in Tokyo to bring back the much-anticipated Olympic gold medal.
The target was set after taking into consideration the views of many parties and symbolised the bond between Malaysians and the national athletes taking on stiff competition to bring glory to the country.
“The athletes do not need added pressure but they do not want to deny their abilities, some of them really are determined and have expressed their desire to succeed and realise their dream to bring back a medal.
“When we take everything into consideration, I also can’t deny the determination among the athletes who want to be the one who brings joy to Malaysians by winning the country’s first-ever gold medal,'' he said during a virtual press conference.
At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, no specific target was set for the national contingent although Malaysia managed to bring back four silver medals and a bronze.
For this Olympics, 30 athletes will be representing Malaysia in 27 events covering 10 sports.
Reezal Merican also announced a target of three gold medals for the Malaysian contingent to the Tokyo Paralympic Games, matching their medal haul at the 2016 Games.
“We are relying on para athletics, powerlifting, badminton and archery to gain momentum and perform excellently in Tokyo,” he said, confirming that 22 national para athletes have qualified to the Tokyo Paralympics that will take place from August 24th to September 5th.
Whatever the results may be, we will still be proud of our national athletes for representing Malaysia in the world’s biggest sporting event!
We are rooting for you, Team Malaysia! Bring home that gold!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
