Malaysia Eyeing Five Golds In Asian Indoor Games

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is aiming for five golds and five silvers at the second Asian Indoor Games scheduled from Oct 26 to Nov 3 in Macau.

Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) vice-president Roy Rajasingham said the target was achievable as more participants would be sent for the meet compared to the previous outing in Bangkok two years ago.

This year, Malaysia was sending 187 participants, including officials, and the athletes would take part in 11 events against those from 45 other Asian countries, he told a press conference here today.

In the previous games, Malaysia sent only 34 athletes and officials. They won only a gold and a bronze and were placed 16th among 37 nations taking part.

"The OCM's objective is very clear, we want to help develop in the youths those moral and physical qualities that come from fair competition in sports.

"We want to train them to be competitive so that they will get their chances to compete in major events like the SEA Games or Commonwealth Games if they are good enough," Roy said.

He said the OCM might also consider paying for the athletes' expenses if they managed to win golds because as of now the expenditure was borne by the sports associations.

The Malaysian delegation will leave for the Macau meet on Oct 23.

-- BERNAMA