UBON RATCHATHANI (Thailand): The Malaysian contingent to the 2022 ASEAN University Games (AUG) are now chasing a new target of 45 gold medals, after the initial 35-gold target was achieved in taekwondo yesterday .
Chairman of the Contingent Management Committee of the Malaysian Institutes of Higher Education (IPT) Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the initial target had been achieved as a result of the encouraging performances of the athletes with three days left to go before the curtains come down on the Games.
"I am very happy that the Malaysian contingent have managed to reach the gold target. It was unexpected as previously the target was seen as a bit difficult to realise.
"However, looking at this achievement, we expect that there will be more medals produced involving several more sports after also winning the 36th gold yesterday," he told reporters.
He explained that the national contingent were now determined to hunt the new target before the Games end this Saturday.
Pekan at the same time hopes that in addition to 45 gold medals, the mother of all medals of the Games can be contributed through football in Thailand.
"Yes we have never won the football gold before and the last time we got that chance was when we hosted the 2008 AUG but we lost to Thailand (in the final).
"So I think this is the best opportunity for us to win the gold medal. I see that we have a chance based on our achievement of a draw against Thailand in our second group match," he said.
Malaysia play against hosts Thailand in the final this Friday.
As of today, the national contingent have won 37 gold, 58 silver 28 bronze.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Aug 03 2022
Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the initial target had been achieved as a result of the encouraging performances of the athletes with three days left to go before the curtains come down on the Games. - BERNAMA
Lebanese search for dead in devastated villages as Israel withdraws
Hezbollah says Israel was still occupying Lebanese territory and put the onus on the Lebanese state to get Israeli forces out.
China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.
Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.
Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.
Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.
UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.
Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.
More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.
Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.
Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream")
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.
Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.
Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.
US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.
Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.
Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.
China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.
Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.
Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.