CDM yet to set initial gold medal target for Asian Games

Asian Games chef-de-mission (CDM) Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah is taking a cautious approach when setting the initial gold medal target for the Incheon Asian Games in South Korea. Danyal said as the CDM he does not want to be judgemental in setting the initial target for the Malaysian contingent bound for the Asian Games in September. "My target is for every sport and athlete to achieve their personal best. They are selected to represent the country in a major competition, they must perform better than before. "Any major competition is a platform for athletes to showcase their ability and to perform at their best. For example, if they had finished in sixth place before, they must finish in at least fourth or third place," he said at the launch of the Samsung Asian Games Campaign, here today. Danyal said he does not want to add unnecessary pressure on the athletes by setting the target early. He added that the initial medal target would be decided by the National Sports Associations (NSA) and announced by the Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. Danyal said the Malaysian contingent is expected to feature 550 athletes and officials. Speaking of National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong's request for more powers in the selection of athletes for major competitions to avoid passengers, Danyal said his comments were misunderstood. In the Asian Games selection committee, the NSC not only plays an important role but the lead role as well. "The selection committee is not only made up of the Olympic Council of Malaysia but the NSC, National Sports Institute and the NSA. The NSC is the leader in the committee," he said.