M'sia eye five more medals in Rio
Published on: Friday, August 12, 2016
RIO DE JANEIRO: The highly spirited Malaysian athletes are all charged up to deliver another five medals after diving pair Pandelela Rining and Cheong Jun Hoong broke the medal drought at the Rio Olympic Games here.The silver medal in the women's synchronised 10m platform event Tuesday has sparked off a renewed spirit for the contingent to review their medal prospects in the diving, badminton and cycling.Deputy Sports Minister Datuk M. Saravanan said he is confident and believed there is more to come from diving, badminton and keirin specialist Azizulhasni Awang.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said based on current performance, there is high hope for badminton to contribute two medals through Datuk Lee Chong Wei in the singles, and another one in the doubles event.In diving, he said, Pandelela and Jun Hoong have a bright chance in their individual 10m platform and 3m springboard respectively.Saravanan, who visited the Games Village here on Wednesday, said he was satisfied with the performances of the 32-athlete team for Rio, but expressed disappointment with archery.The archery men's recurve trio failed to live up to expectation after making an early exit Wednesday with top archer Khairul Anuar Mohamad failing to qualify for the individual round of 16.
ADVERTISEMENT
The team also ranked bottom among 12 countries in the ranking qualifying round and was knock-out by France in the first round.On his visit to Rio, Saravanan said he was here to throw support for the team and at the same time to observe the facilities provided by the host country in staging the biggest sporting show on earth.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I am impressed with the facilities by the host nation for the Olympic family. Despite facing economic crisis, the country has given the best for the athletes," he said.He said certain facilities such as transportation for the Olympic family is excellent as dedicated lanes are made for busses and cars ferrying athletes and officials to venues and back to the Games Village.He said such facilities and others are noted and would be discussed among the ministry officials as Malaysia would be hosting the SEA Games next year.Meanwhile, chef-de-mission, Tan Sri Mohamad Al Amin Abdul Majid, who accompanied Saravanan for the Games Village tour, said he expected all the athletes to give their best in their respective events.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
