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Zolkples: Nine gold within reach

NATIONAL Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong is confident Malaysia will win at least nine gold medal in the Asian Games next month. The chef-de-mission also does not rule out the possibility of Malaysia reaching double figures.

Zolkples said multiple gold can be expected from squash, cycling and bowling while several other sports can deliver at least one gold.

Four gold medals will be on offer in squash for the first time and Malaysia are aiming for a clean sweep.
Zolkples believes Malaysia have the chance to win more gold medals in cycling compared to only one gold (in keirin) in the New Delhi Commonwealth Games a fortnight ago.

Bowling provided three gold in Doha four years ago where Malaysia achieved their best haul of eight gold, 17 silver and 17 bronze and Zolkples expects the sport to maintain the consistency in the Asian Games.

The other sports which can deliver gold are badminton, karate, wushu, sailing and equestrian.

"We should be good enough to better our previous achievement and the target is nine. However, there is a good possibility of reaching double figures should several other sports hit their targets," said Zolkples yesterday.

"Squash should contribute two to three gold while cycling can win a maximum of three, not just the keirin as the Asian rivals are not as good as Australia.

"Our cyclists have a good chance in the men's individual and team sprint and it's a pity that there is no 1km time trial where Rizal (Tisin) would be the favourite. China will be strong but we have a good chance.

"Bowling has traditionally been our strength in the Asian Games and both our men and women are equally good. We can expect two or three gold from them.

"Despite the injury worries, I am still optimistic (Lee) Chong Wei can deliver gold in the singles and we also have a fighting chance in the men's doubles.

"Gold medals have also been won in karate, wushu and sailing before and we should be able to better our 2006 haul in Guangzhou."


Read more: NST

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