Resurgence of Golden Tigers A Perfect Launch Pad For Malaysian Contingent In 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

From Muhammad Afiff Md Adnan

NAGOYA, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian contingent once again stole the spotlight on the seventh day of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as the sepak takraw squad delivered the country's fourth gold medal, serving as a catalyst for a new momentum as the competition enters its decisive phase.

The success came through the men's team regu event, which ended Malaysia's 36-year wait to be crowned champions again, having last achieved the feat at the 1990 Beijing edition.

The gold medal also raised the nation's total gold tally to four, following earlier successes in karate and e-sports.

Aside from the gold glitter at the takraw court, the squash camp also shared positive developments as S. Sivasangari continued her mission to defend the women's singles title by advancing to the semi-finals.

However, Aira Azman had to bow out after losing in the quarter-finals, while the mixed doubles pairing of C. Ameeshenraj and Rachel Arnold also progressed into the top four.

On the track, the athletics challenge saw a different turn of events as Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi failed to defend his 100-meter bronze medal after sustaining an injury during the final.

Meanwhile, Shereen Samson Vallabouy also failed to advance to the women's 400m final. These developments mean the athletics camp is still awaiting its first medal contribution from track and field events at this Games.

Overall, the seventh day saw the national contingent experience a mixed day of triumphs, disappointments, and progressions to subsequent rounds.

The takraw gold provides a crucial boost, while squash still carries hopes of adding to the medal tally before the competition enters a more intense phase.

-- BERNAMA