KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian contingent to the 2025 ASEAN Para Games (APG) has set a target of 55 gold medals for this edition, scheduled to take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from Jan 20 to 26.
Malaysia's Chef de Mission (CDM) for APG 2025, Mohd Zarrawi Ravi Abdullah, described the target as realistic following discussions with stakeholders, despite several technical challenges faced by the national athletes.
According to him, swimming and athletics are expected to remain the primary "gold mines" for the country, while badminton, table tennis, and cycling are also relied upon to achieve proud successes.
"In Cambodia, we achieved 50 golds, and this time we want an improvement - we cannot compromise on that. By targeting 55 gold medals, we hope everything goes according to plan," he said when met by reporters during the CDM's visit to the Paralympic Excellence Centre in Kampung Pandan, here, today.
Meanwhile, he noted that the contingent's preparations was at 100 percent, with most athletes showing high fighting spirit ahead of the biennial sporting event.
However, concerns have surfaced regarding scheduling issues that appear unfavourable to the national camp, particularly in swimming events.
"I noticed the swimming schedule is quite tight; for the S8 category (physical impairment), there are four events in a single day, which I feel is not right as there is no recovery period for the athletes. We will raise this matter during the team managers' meeting and other platforms," said Mohd Zarrawi.
For the record, the national contingent secured 50 gold, 38 silver, and 35 bronze medals to finish in fourth place during the 2023 edition in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
--BERNAMA
