Malaysia exit Asian Games after 86-run loss to Sri Lanka

On the eve of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Malaysia's national team, featuring a 352-strong contingent led by chef-de-mission Datuk Sumali Reduan, is set to test their mettle against formidable opposition. The team has set its sights on a six gold, seven silver, and 20 bronze medal target, a similar feat they achieved at the Hangzhou Games (6-8-18).

Badminton, a sport where Malaysia traditionally excels, will be a key battleground. The public eye will be on Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the men's doubles events. The Badminton Association of Malaysia has set a one silver and one bronze target for the Games, but privately, they have encouraged players to aim for gold. Malaysia's last badminton gold at the Asian Games was in Doha 2006, when Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong won.

Squash is another area where Malaysia has traditionally performed well. The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia has set a three-gold target for the Nagoya Games, with defending champions Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari expected to retain their titles. However, both players will face stiff competition from players like Pakistan's Noor Zaman and India's Abhay Singh in the final rounds.

Track cycling will see Azizulhasni Awang, a 38-year-old former world keirin champion, make his mark. Despite his age, Awang has been in great form this season, winning two UCI World Cup keirin golds and a keirin gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. His main rival will likely be Japan's world No. 4, Ota Kaiya. In the women's event, Izzah Izzati Asri will be Malaysia's best hope, facing off against two-time world champion Mina Sato and China's Yuan Liying.

The national men's hockey squad will be looking to redeem themselves after recent disappointing performances, with a target of reaching the men's final and qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In Judo, Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed, who won Malaysia's first Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, will be competing for his first Asian Games. He will face much tougher opposition, aiming for a podium finish or important ranking points for future qualification.