EXPECT the worst, do your best and don’t complain.
These were the wise words uttered by National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Seri Ahmad Shapawi Ismail at the Philippines Sea Games flag-handing ceremony in Bangi yesterday.
Malaysia have set their sights on 70 gold medals, with a projected fourth placing among 11 participating countries,
A target of 70 gold means it is 50 per cent less than the 145 gold won at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games by Malaysia.
Chaotic traffic, unfinished venues and late delivery of sports equipment may affect some sports but the message is “don’t complain, just go there and give your best.”
Perhaps to get them in the mood for the tough mission ahead, the 800-odd athletes and officials who witnessed the flag-handing ceremony by Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Rahman, were made to sit on the carpeted floor of the hotel ball-room.
Only sponsors, media and VIP’s were seated.
“The athletes have been told that they can expect the worst in some venues... traffic jams and some problems with their equipment.
“But then again, they have been forewarned to give their best no matter under what conditions, and don’t complain,” said Shapawi.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said his people have been in constant touch with Philippines Sea Games Organising Committee (PSGOC) on venues and transportation.
“Some of the venues are still being readied but the PSGOC have assured us that they will be ready in time for the Games.
“We also gave some recommendations on how to improve several facilities in Manila and Clark, And the PSGOC are working to improve the areas,” said Norza.
Syed Saddiq yesterday read out a prepared statement, and parted with several interesting facts.
“The contingent will comprise 773 athletes (326 women and 447 men) and 339 officials and they will compete in 52 out of 56 sports.
“And if they achieve the 70-gold target, it would be Malaysia’s best overall performance outside of the country (previous best was 68 in Korat, 2007).”
Of the 773 athletes, 322 will be competing in their first Sea Games.
“We will have a young contingent as well, because 322 athletes will be below 21 years old, not including the men’s and women’s football teams.”
The youngest Malaysian athlete is water skier Adam Yoong Hanifah at 11, and the oldest is 57-year-old billiards and snooker player Ibrahim Amir.
Malaysia’s medal quest will start with polo on Sunday in Luzon, while athletics, gymnastics, lawn bowls and archery are s expected to provide the bulk of the golden glitter.
However, the grass at the Lawn Bowls arena is not up to the ‘taste’ of the Malaysian contenders, and this could affect the final haul of medals.
“This is one venue which our athletes will find challenging to tame,” lamented Shapawi
World bowling champion Rafiq Ismail was announced yesterday as the flag-bearer of the Malaysian Sea Games contingent.