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Shabery: We can surpass target

(From left): Mohd Amir Mohd Yusof, Nor Iryani Azmi, Siti Zalina Ahmad, Nor Hashimah Ismail and Azim Azami Ariffin with the Jalur Gemilang after the flag-handing over ceremony in Putrajaya yesterday. — Picture by Fariz Iswadi Ismail.
(From left): Mohd Amir Mohd Yusof, Nor Iryani Azmi, Siti Zalina Ahmad, Nor Hashimah Ismail and Azim Azami Ariffin with the Jalur Gemilang after the flag-handing over ceremony in Putrajaya yesterday. — Picture by Fariz Iswadi Ismail.
SPORTS Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek believes national athletes have the pedigree to surpass the medal targets of the New Delhi Commonwealth Games and Guangzhou Asian Games. Malaysian athletes have been set a goal of winning 10 gold medals in the Commonwealth Games and eight in the Asian Games.

"We, as Malaysians, must show the world that we can do it. Our athletes must show their commitment and dedication during their events in both Games," said Ahmad Shabery at the Commonwealth Games flag-handing ceremony in Putrajaya yesterday.

"I strongly believe our athletes can surpass the medal targets if they perform to their true potential. Our athletes should also look back to how Malaysia performed in last year's Laos Sea Games. Our target then was between 30 and 35 gold but our athletes went on to win 40 gold.
"The performance in Laos proved that our athletes have the pedigree to perform at the highest level. Now, they must do the same in both New Delhi and Guangzhou."

National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong and Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar also attended the event.

The sports ministry and the NSC have targeted gold medals in badminton, cycling, lawn bowls, weightlifting, squash, archery and diving in New Delhi.

"Weightlifting and cycling are also big possibilities now. Our weightlifters have a chance as several of India's top athletes have been suspended for doping. We also have a bright chance in cycling as several top cyclists like Chris Hoy (Britain) are not competing in New Delhi," he said.

Malaysia have targeted gold medals in sailing, badminton, bowling, squash and wushu in the Asian Games.

On security concerns in India, Ahmad Shabery said athletes should not be worried as India is doing its best in terms of safety aspects.

At the function, Ahmad Shabery handed the Jalur Gemilang to Chef-de-Mission Tan Sri Halim Mutalib, who in turn presented it to lawn bowler Siti Zalina Ahmad, who is the flag bearer for the Commonwealth Games


Read more:NST

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