SEA Games: Malaysia passes 50% of 40 gold medal target

The national contingent has passed the halfway mark of the 40 gold medals targeted for the Myanmar SEA Games when the contingent won another six gold medals, Sunday.

The Malaysian contingent's positive achievement began at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Stadium in the athletic events where Muhammad Irfan Shamsuddin grabbed the gold for the men's discus throw.

The 18-year-old University of Malaya business student also created history when he became the youngest Malaysian athlete to win the gold in the event at the biennial games.

He sprang a surprise when his throw of 53.16 metres broke the Malaysian national record of 49.90 metres which he created at the Brunei Athletics Open Championship recently.

The Malaysian karate squad meanwhile contributed a gold in the women's team kumite event raising the squad's overall tally to seven gold.

Silat athlete, Mohd Al-Jufferi Jamari was also listed as a contributor to the gold tally apart from body-builder Wong Hoeng Ngai, swimmers Christina, Loh Yen Ling and snooker athlete, Thor Chuan Leong.

National women weightlifter Frenceay Titus also created a new national record, although she failed to win a medal at the games after only securing fourth place in the 58kg category.

Her lift of 82kg in the snatch category erased the 81kg record she achieved during the Pahang Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2012.

On the 12th day of the championship, Malaysia collected a total of 24 gold, 16 silver and 40 bronze medals. Thailand is still leading the chart with a tally of 45 gold, 41 silver and 40 bronze.

Myanmar in second spot with 38 gold, 31 silver and 35 bronze medals.