Malaysia crowned AUG 2012 overall champions

Malaysia were crowned the overall champions of the Asean University Games (AUG) 2012 which came to a close Thursday night after collecting 60 golds, 48 silvers and 72 bronzes, surpassing the target of 36 golds.

Vietnam came a close second with 56 golds, 35 silvers and 28 bronzes followed by Thailand, third, with 45 golds, 52 silvers and 56 bronzes.

It was the first achievement by Malaysia in the biennial games outside the country.

Malaysian chef-de-mission Prof Dr Yahaya Ibrahim said he was satisfied with the extraordinary achievement of the Malaysian athletes who were made of students from institutions of higher learning.

"I did not expect us to become the overall winner. First we managed to surpass the target, then we made a surprise by collecting 45 golds the following day. I believe strong support had spurred the athletes to collect the 60th gold yesterday," he told reporters Thursday.

"I believe the setting up of sports excellence centre at each university by the Ministry of Higher Education had borne fruit," he added.

The last time Malaysia emerged champions was in 2008 when it hosted the Games.

The AUG 2012 themed 'We Are Asean Family' came to a close in a colourful ceremony at the National Sports Complex Stadium here and it was officiated by Lao Deputy Prime Minister Asang Laoly.

Asean University Sports Council president Datuk Prof Dr Kassim Md Mansor handed over the Games flag to South Sumatra National Sports Committee chairman Muddai Madang for Indonesia will play host in the 17th AUG in 2014.

Also present was Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Datuk Than Tai Hing.