Asiad: Taufiq urges athletes to chase nine-gold record

SUNGAI PETANI - Malaysia’s achievement in reaching the six-gold medal target at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games is a source of pride and is hoped to inspire athletes still competing to contribute more gold medals to the national tally.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the achievement has opened the door for the national contingent to make history if they can surpass the record of nine gold medals, the country’s best-ever haul at the Asian Games.

"Malaysia’s best record at the Asian Games is nine gold medals, so if we can win more, we will create a new national record. The Games are still ongoing and we hope the national contingent can exceed the target set.

"We hope the athletes will remain motivated, especially those who have yet to complete their events. Let this achievement be a source of inspiration,” he told reporters after the handover ceremony for the KBS MADANI Adopt-a-School Project at SJK (T) Taman Keladi here today.

He said the success was the result of a collective effort involving the athletes and the entire Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) fraternity.

"Congratulations to all our athletes, the contingent and the entire KBS fraternity for reaching the six-gold target.

"This is something to be proud of, and I have seen for myself the hardships and sacrifices made by the athletes in terms of their time and energy to ensure we achieved the target,” he said.

Mohammed Taufiq said everyone involved deserved recognition for their efforts and cooperation in helping the athletes achieve the target.

He also said every athlete who wins a medal would receive the respective incentives as stipulated.

As of now, Malaysia have won six gold, two silver and nine bronze medals, for a total haul of 17 medals, placing the country 10th in the medal standings.

The six gold medals came from karate (two), e-sports, sepak takraw and squash (two). - BERNAMA