Jefri warns of complacency as Malaysia reach half of six-gold Asiad target

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — Malaysia has reached the halfway point of its ambitious six-gold target at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, according to National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Jefri Ngadirin. The country has collected three gold medals and five bronze medals so far. Jefri praised the strong momentum provided by the gold medals but urged athletes not to become complacent with many events still to come.

He emphasized that each athlete has an opportunity to contribute to the national contingent. Jefri congratulated all athletes who won medals, highlighting their hard work alongside their coaches, associations, and support teams. He encouraged all Malaysians to keep supporting and praying for the national athletes competing in Aichi-Nagoya, urging them to give their best and carry the Malaysian spirit into every competition.

Jefri also called for continued support from the Malaysian public. So far, Malaysia's gold medals have been won by karate exponent Adeola Fay Robert in the women's under-55kg individual kumite, esports athlete Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira in the Gran Turismo 7 eRacing event, and karate exponent Shahmalarani Chandran in the women's under-50kg individual kumite.

The country has also secured five bronze medals, each won by Thevendran Kaliana Sundram in the men's under-55kg individual kumite, Sureeya Shankar Hari Shankar in the men's under-60kg individual kumite, the men's team kata squad, Tan Cheong Min in the women's nanquan and nandao wushu event, and Clement Ting Su Wei in the men's daoshu and gunshu wushu event.