{
  "id": 8853083,
  "title": "Malaysian esports body offers RM20,000 boost for Asian Games gold",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/malaysian-esports-body-offers-rm20-000-boost-for-asian-games-gold",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T05:41:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/esports/2026/09/1537504/malaysian-esports-body-offers-rm20000-boost-asian-games-gold"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) has announced a RM20,000 incentive for any esports team that secures a gold medal at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. During a Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Malaysia Professional League (MPL MY) event, MESF president Naim Al-Amin Saharudin revealed the reward during the third day of the competition. MESF will also offer the same incentive to other esports teams that win gold medals for Malaysia, according to Naim. The Malaysia national team will participate in nine out of the 11 esports events at the Games, with the federation aiming for at least five medals. MLBB, Honor of Kings, E-Racing, E-Football, and Identity V are identified as the top medal prospects for Malaysia. The esports team consists of 44 athletes and eight coaches, mostly made up of new members. Naim also addressed a recent controversy involving veteran MLBB player Zul Hisham Noor, who was surprised to learn of his removal from the final Asian Games lineup via WhatsApp. Despite the setback, Naim urged fans to continue supporting the national athletes during their competitions in Japan. The MPL Malaysia Season 18 has entered a two-week hiatus to accommodate the Asian Games and will resume on October 8.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) has announced a RM20,000 reward for any team that wins a gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia Esports Federation offers RM20,000 for gold medals at Asian Games.",
    "Malaysia national team to compete in nine esports events at Games.",
    "MESF aims for at least five medals in nine esports events."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Malaysian esports federation's incentive offer signals a heightened focus on competitive success, as it aims to boost medal prospects with financial rewards for top performers.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Kim Young-beom sets Asian Games record in men's 50m freestyle",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/kim-young-beom-sets-asian-games-record-in-mens-50m-freestyle",
        "published": "2026-09-21T03:07:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Imad Zaben reaches 50m freestyle final at Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/imad-zaben-reaches-50m-freestyle-final-at-asian-games",
        "published": "2026-09-21T05:11:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}