Malaysia out to retain AUG overall title in Palembang

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PALEMBANG: The Malaysian contingent that will be competing in the Asean University Games (AUG) in Palembang, Indonesia has the task of defending the overall title says the chef-de-mission (CDM) of the Malaysian contingent.

Malaysian CDM, Prof Datuk Abdullah Mohamad Said who expressed confidence in the contingent’s ability said Malaysia’s main medal hopes would hinge on swimming, athletics and karate.

Apart from Incheon Asian Games Kata gold medallist Lim Chee Wei, Nisha Alagasan and Shree Sharmini are also medal prospects.

Swimming will be spearheaded by a number of experienced National swimmers like Daniel Bego, Ian Leondy Bell, Shaun Yap, Chui Lai Kwan, Khoo Chai Lin and Chan Kah Yan.

As the defending champion, Malaysia who had won 60 gold, 47 silver and 72 bronze medals at the previous AUG hosted by Laos in 2012, can repeat a similar feat, he said.

However, with host Indonesia, winner of the title 10 times before, fielding a strong 500-member contingent, would be the main threat for Malaysia’s title aspirations.

“About 30 percent of the athletes are actually national athletes but Indonesia as the host with a strong 500-member contingent can pose a serious threat,” he told reporters after chairing the AUG 2014 managers meeting at the Education Ministry, here yesterday.

Since the inauguration of the AUG in 1981, Indonesia has emerged overall champion for a record 10 times, Thailand (3), Malaysia (2) and Vietnam once.

Malaysia with 332 athletes will be competing in 20 sports and led by karate exponent Lim Chee Wei, as the flag bearer.

Lim is the winner of the Kata gold medal at the Incheon Asian Games.

The AUG will feature more than 5,000 athletes from 11 ASEAN countries, especially Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Timor Leste, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore and Brunei. — Bernama