KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Boules Sports Federation (MBSF) have taken a cautious approach by setting a four-medal target, irrespective of the colour, for the national petanque squad at the 2025 SEA Games, scheduled to be held in Thailand from Dec 9-20.
MBSF acting president Cheah Ban Cheng said they are, however, hopeful of returning with at least one gold medal from the 11 events.
"We are hunting for one gold, but we need to be realistic. We have a specific target, but we can't share it… this is a strategic game.
"We must respect the hosts, whose players were recently crowned the men's and women's world champions. So, we have to play our cards right. Of course, we have our own strategy… I believe we should be able to deliver a minimum of one gold medal,” he said.
He said this at the media conference on the launch of the official MBSF website and the handing-over of the Jalur Gemilang to the national petanque squad bound for the SEA Games 2025 at Wisma OCM here today.
Cheah also said that the absence of Cambodia, who are said to have pulled out, may work to Malaysia's advantage in its medal quest.
“We only learned about it through the media... that Cambodia have withdrawn from the Games. With Cambodia withdrawing, the chances of our athletes getting on the podium will be much higher,” he said, adding that the national petanque squad comprise 12 men and 12 women.
The men's team will include the trio of Saiful Bahri Musmim, Muhamad Hafizuddin Mat Daud and Syed Akmal Fikri Syed Ali, who have contributed all five of Malaysia's gold medals in the SEA Games thus far.
For the record, Malaysia won one gold, one silver and three bronzes in the 2023 edition in Cambodia, while their best-ever achievement of two golds, one silver and three bronzes came at the 2017 edition here.
Meanwhile, the official MBSF website, launched today, will serve as the central hub for information on the national team, athlete profiles, results, umpire certification pathways, affiliate member lists and community development.
It also reflects MBSF's commitment towards transparency, communication enhancement and long-term development.
-- BERNAMA
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