KUALA LUMPUR: The Chef de Mission (CDM) for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, is banking on the Malaysian contingent to deliver a more ‘ferocious’ performance in Japan, surpassing their achievement at the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, China.
Sumali said he is committed to exploring new strategies to help the national squad ensure the Jalur Gemilang flies high in the Land of the Rising Sun.
“We will certainly look for ways to secure a higher medal haul than before, particularly in terms of gold medals.
“I believe any CDM would aspire to achieve a better performance than the previous edition, and we must work toward that goal,” he said when contacted by BERNAMA today.
The Sepaktakraw Federation of Malaysia (PSM) president expressed hope that his extensive experience with the national sepak takraw squad in previous major games would help him lead the contingent to a proud result at the 2026 Games.
However, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) vice-president acknowledged that he requires support from all stakeholders, especially former CDMs, to provide guidance and facilitate meeting the set targets.
“The Asian Games are significantly more challenging than the SEA Games, and I hope we can cooperate closely with all sports associations and the athletes involved.
“At the same time, insya-Allah, I will constantly monitor the progress and performance of all athletes set to compete in the 2026 Asian Games,” he said.
Commenting on his appointment, Sumali expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by OCM president, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, and the endorsement of Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, to lead the national contingent for the 20th edition of the quadrennial games.
Malaysia returned with six gold, eight silver, and 18 bronze medals from the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022.
The nation’s best-ever achievement at the Asian Games was recorded during the 2010 edition in Guangzhou, China, where Malaysia bagged nine gold, 18 silver, and 14 bronze medals.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4. – BERNAMA
