BIRMINGHAM: It's a quarter-final dream for Malaysia's two judokas in their Commonwealth Games debut on Monday.
Both Amir Denial Majeed and Kamini Segaran believe it's a realistic target though they will be competing in the second largest sports event in the world.
Coach Nashriq Nasser said: "Both the athletes will be competing in only their second overseas tournament after the Hanoi Sea Games.
"Their mission here is to reach the quarter-finals, but it is expected to be challenging going by the big names they will be up against on the mat."
Eighteen-year-old Amir and Kamini, 25, secured their Birmingham tickets by winning bronze medals at the Hanoi Sea Games. They have been training in Negri Sembilan and Penang since.
"It's very important that my two athletes qualify for the quarter-finals as we need the leverage to be placed in the Podium Programme.
"Also, it will be a milestone for young Amir if he reaches the quarters in his first Commonwealth Games," said Nashriq.
Three Malaysian judokas were fielded as the nation made its debut in the sport at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but they all lost in the preliminaries. Judo was not held in the 2018 Games at the Gold Coast.