The 17th Asian Games has concluded last Saturday. After 20 days of competing, Malaysia emerged 14th from 46 countries. We achieved 5 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze. Previous edition, we had 9 gold medals. Personally, I felt we could have achieved 10 gold medals, but everything went bust.
Overall, it was below expectations (worse case, way below expectations). Let's see how malaysian team fared in each sports:
Athletics
Once we had nur herman, loo kum zee,watson nyambek and G.Shanti to rock the track. But now it was a dismal performance. I was witnessing Poll vault, and our athlete was no where near the japanese, korean and chinese. Even the middle east athletes were doing better. Then I was watching, high jump and our athletes reason was wet track, so he couldn't perform. I don't understand, how could this be a reason. If he said it's snowing, then fine, but not for rain, because it's raining whole year in KL and you should acclamation for it.
At last we came back empty handed with 6 athletes sent. NO consolation on National records too.
Verdict: Below expectation
Archery
It's national history that we obtained medal from archery, moreover it's silver. In previous editions, we were seeded but we were not placed, but now we meet the target. But, the compund team were just not at reginal level and eliminated at early round.
Verdict : Meet Expectation
Badminton
Again we rely heavily on Datuk Lee and again he fail to deliver when we really needed him. We ended up with 4 bronze medals. Something to cheer is, after 44 years, our ladies doubles obtaned a medal. but our men team, especially juniors like wei feng and hoo-tan pair just couldnt deliver.
Verdict : Below expectation
Beach Volleyball
We were eliminated in group stages itself. Last games, we had 1 bronze through ladies, but now we didn't even send our ladies. It's time for the beach resorts to promote the games.
Verdict : Below expectation
Boxing
Nothing to shout about. The maximum we could go was quarterfinals. But still no medal show. It's something for us to learn from our neighbours Thailand and Indonesia on getting quality boxers.
Verdict : Below expectation
Bowling
Too much high hopes on the team and they never failed since 1998. But now, it was parade of stars i.e shalin, esther, alex, adrian, zulmazran, but they could only deliver 4 silvers. We had wendy chai in 1994, a grandmother whom contributed gold medal. So age should not be issue here.
Verdict : Below expectation
Cricket
With India and Pakistan not taking part, I thought we could at least go for semifinals, nevertheless, we lost to hong kong whom paraded imported/naturalised players. More interesting, war torn country, Afghanistan could qualify to final and win silver medal. But what i could see was, we were even struggling to beat south korea whom is more famous for baseball.
Verdict : Below expectation
Cycling
we had strong team i.e josiah, azizul, fateha, jom net for track. Since we already had gold medal in previous edition , thus the expectation was there to deliver again. Fatehah was close for the gold medal, but couldnt match the world champion from hongkong. Next Aizul, much anticipated athlete came back empty handed after disqualification due to illegal blocking / sprinting. It was definitely a mouthwatering finish for the top 3. The disqualification made josiah to promoted to bronze.
On other hand, josiah had to take tougher route to final, where he was not allowed to compete in the heats and had to come through repecharge and win semifinals. It was a good bye gift for josiah, but still a question mark for our future.
Verdict : Below expectation
Diving
China swept all 10 gold medals. We were on podium for 9 of the events. But very much anticipated pandalela fail to shine in her pet event which she won bronze in Olympics and that's the event we fail to deliver any medal. A gold medal was expected for this event. We were 2nd best in Asia, but the 3rd and 4th place are very close to us. Thus, we need to buck up.
Verdict : Below expectation
Equestrian
This is a funny sports. The athlete was fit but the horse was not fit. So we didn't take part in this event. I didn't know what else to say. flight ticket, hotel, food, attire, horse maintenance etc. All cost went to drain.
Verdict : Below expectation
Football
So much glamour, yet so less results. We are till struggling with ball controlling at this stage and don't dare to attack the opponent. Losing 3-0 to host and saudi is no longer can be excuse. Target was 2nd round but we were the 1st to pack the bag after opening ceremony. Harimau muda A project could be a failure. They even struggle in sea games by only winning bronze. Should they change strategy, coach, management, players or kits?
Verdict : Below expectation
Golf
With countries like thailand, korea and India, we are no where near them, as they produced world beaters. we could only get 8th placing in the team event and 22nd for individual event. we have world class golf course but not players. Why?
Verdict : Below expectation
Gymnastics
Farah Ann was the only representative and it's her 2nd time on the stage. Though she finished 6th in one of the finals. the rest she was knocked out in qualifying rounds itself. If diving can increase their quality, why not for gymnastics.
Verdict : Below expectation
Hockey
They could have qualified for finals and even win gold but, lady luck was not with them for men team. They lost in penalties in semifinals with pakistan and slim loss with Korea for 3rd placing. But reaching this level is already great because, they were in deep shit position at beginning of the year. They finished rock bottom for world cup and 7th place for commonwealth. Thus, good job to Arul for getting the team back to shape. Hope he can be retained for next year's olympics qualifying and sea games.
Women team could have qualified for semifinals if they could hold china to 0-0 and trashing Thailand. But they finished again at 5th position.
Verdict : Below expectation
Kabadi
I expected this team to loose to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal. But we went and loose to Iran and South Korea. I don't know where to put my face. I don't know what's the real problem for the team, if minnows can beat us.
Verdict : Below expectation
Karate
The team is always a golden goose. Never fail to deliver. They always had rookies and they shined. 2 gold and 2 bronze, was really good for a young team.
Verdict : Meet expectation
Sailing
We had Dr.Kevin (4 time Olympian) whom also gold medalist. But now we have new blood. We expected 1 gold from them, but as bonus, they delivered 2 more silvers. Hope they could sustain it for next edition.
Verdict : Meet expectation
Sepak Takraw
We know our team cant match Thailand, but now became worse, when we loose to team like South Korea and India. I just wondered if I can be part of the team too, if this is the quality. Just 2 bronze. Gold medal remain elusive since 1994.
Verdict : Below expectation
Shooting
They never had silver medals at this level and they proved with 2 silver and 1 bronze. Mostly rookies, should they train harder, gold medal is within reach.
Verdict : Exceeded expectation
Swimming
After Lim Keng Liat, Elvin Chia, no more successors. We really need someone, else, we will continue to sink in pool.
Verdict : Below expectation
Squash
Datuk Nicol was our hope and she delivered for both individual and team. Ong Beng Hee failed to complete the collection after loosing both ties to India. We may not have Nicol for next edition as player, but we can still hope on wee wern, but for men, we had to recall Azlan to help the weak team. Ivan and Nafizwan was just not up to the Asian standard. Something serious need to be made.
Verdict : Meet expectation
Taekwondo
We finished empty handed for this edition. We had 3 but none made a strong impact. It was those days where we had Lee Wan Yuen, but now no more.
Verdict : Below expectation
Rugby
We were trashed and only managed 8th position for men and 9th for ladies. The trashing scores even went above 50. We should win sea games before going to Asian Games.
Verdict : Below expectation
Table Tennis
We still relied on old horse-Beh Lee Wei. This just proves, we can't produce new talent. We couldn't even get pass the group stage. Only team win was against Nepal. Luckily, we didn't send our men team, else it will be another disgrace.
Verdict : Below expectation
Weightlifting
We had only 1 representative and he finished 11 out of 14. We can't just focus on Commonwealth and neglecting Asian Games.
Verdict : Below expectation
Wushu
We only had 1 gold medal and it was the 1st medal for the games. But it was returned. It was sad ending, when the athlete was tested positive for using sibutramine. It's a supplement to control weight. We appealed but it was rejected. Though, there were rumors that it was a sabotage because the reports were delayed and not reported timely manner. Not sure if she took it directly or mixed in milk or drinks. But no other athletes finished with medal too.
Verdict : Below expectation
I just want to say, we have spent so much on preparation, facilities, supplements, but this is the overall results. It's either:
1. We restructure the management/association
2. Sack the athletes and bring in new blood
3. Stop playing politics on selection of players
4. send only potential medalist to the events.
5. Get overseas coaches
We need to do something, as olympics 2016 is just less than 20 months.
Overall, it was below expectations (worse case, way below expectations). Let's see how malaysian team fared in each sports:
Athletics
Once we had nur herman, loo kum zee,watson nyambek and G.Shanti to rock the track. But now it was a dismal performance. I was witnessing Poll vault, and our athlete was no where near the japanese, korean and chinese. Even the middle east athletes were doing better. Then I was watching, high jump and our athletes reason was wet track, so he couldn't perform. I don't understand, how could this be a reason. If he said it's snowing, then fine, but not for rain, because it's raining whole year in KL and you should acclamation for it.
At last we came back empty handed with 6 athletes sent. NO consolation on National records too.
Verdict: Below expectation
Archery
It's national history that we obtained medal from archery, moreover it's silver. In previous editions, we were seeded but we were not placed, but now we meet the target. But, the compund team were just not at reginal level and eliminated at early round.
Verdict : Meet Expectation
Badminton
Again we rely heavily on Datuk Lee and again he fail to deliver when we really needed him. We ended up with 4 bronze medals. Something to cheer is, after 44 years, our ladies doubles obtaned a medal. but our men team, especially juniors like wei feng and hoo-tan pair just couldnt deliver.
Verdict : Below expectation
Beach Volleyball
We were eliminated in group stages itself. Last games, we had 1 bronze through ladies, but now we didn't even send our ladies. It's time for the beach resorts to promote the games.
Verdict : Below expectation
Boxing
Nothing to shout about. The maximum we could go was quarterfinals. But still no medal show. It's something for us to learn from our neighbours Thailand and Indonesia on getting quality boxers.
Verdict : Below expectation
Bowling
Too much high hopes on the team and they never failed since 1998. But now, it was parade of stars i.e shalin, esther, alex, adrian, zulmazran, but they could only deliver 4 silvers. We had wendy chai in 1994, a grandmother whom contributed gold medal. So age should not be issue here.
Verdict : Below expectation
Cricket
With India and Pakistan not taking part, I thought we could at least go for semifinals, nevertheless, we lost to hong kong whom paraded imported/naturalised players. More interesting, war torn country, Afghanistan could qualify to final and win silver medal. But what i could see was, we were even struggling to beat south korea whom is more famous for baseball.
Verdict : Below expectation
Cycling
we had strong team i.e josiah, azizul, fateha, jom net for track. Since we already had gold medal in previous edition , thus the expectation was there to deliver again. Fatehah was close for the gold medal, but couldnt match the world champion from hongkong. Next Aizul, much anticipated athlete came back empty handed after disqualification due to illegal blocking / sprinting. It was definitely a mouthwatering finish for the top 3. The disqualification made josiah to promoted to bronze.
On other hand, josiah had to take tougher route to final, where he was not allowed to compete in the heats and had to come through repecharge and win semifinals. It was a good bye gift for josiah, but still a question mark for our future.
Verdict : Below expectation
Diving
China swept all 10 gold medals. We were on podium for 9 of the events. But very much anticipated pandalela fail to shine in her pet event which she won bronze in Olympics and that's the event we fail to deliver any medal. A gold medal was expected for this event. We were 2nd best in Asia, but the 3rd and 4th place are very close to us. Thus, we need to buck up.
Verdict : Below expectation
Equestrian
This is a funny sports. The athlete was fit but the horse was not fit. So we didn't take part in this event. I didn't know what else to say. flight ticket, hotel, food, attire, horse maintenance etc. All cost went to drain.
Verdict : Below expectation
Football
So much glamour, yet so less results. We are till struggling with ball controlling at this stage and don't dare to attack the opponent. Losing 3-0 to host and saudi is no longer can be excuse. Target was 2nd round but we were the 1st to pack the bag after opening ceremony. Harimau muda A project could be a failure. They even struggle in sea games by only winning bronze. Should they change strategy, coach, management, players or kits?
Verdict : Below expectation
Golf
With countries like thailand, korea and India, we are no where near them, as they produced world beaters. we could only get 8th placing in the team event and 22nd for individual event. we have world class golf course but not players. Why?
Verdict : Below expectation
Gymnastics
Farah Ann was the only representative and it's her 2nd time on the stage. Though she finished 6th in one of the finals. the rest she was knocked out in qualifying rounds itself. If diving can increase their quality, why not for gymnastics.
Verdict : Below expectation
Hockey
They could have qualified for finals and even win gold but, lady luck was not with them for men team. They lost in penalties in semifinals with pakistan and slim loss with Korea for 3rd placing. But reaching this level is already great because, they were in deep shit position at beginning of the year. They finished rock bottom for world cup and 7th place for commonwealth. Thus, good job to Arul for getting the team back to shape. Hope he can be retained for next year's olympics qualifying and sea games.
Women team could have qualified for semifinals if they could hold china to 0-0 and trashing Thailand. But they finished again at 5th position.
Verdict : Below expectation
Kabadi
I expected this team to loose to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal. But we went and loose to Iran and South Korea. I don't know where to put my face. I don't know what's the real problem for the team, if minnows can beat us.
Verdict : Below expectation
Karate
The team is always a golden goose. Never fail to deliver. They always had rookies and they shined. 2 gold and 2 bronze, was really good for a young team.
Verdict : Meet expectation
Sailing
We had Dr.Kevin (4 time Olympian) whom also gold medalist. But now we have new blood. We expected 1 gold from them, but as bonus, they delivered 2 more silvers. Hope they could sustain it for next edition.
Verdict : Meet expectation
Sepak Takraw
We know our team cant match Thailand, but now became worse, when we loose to team like South Korea and India. I just wondered if I can be part of the team too, if this is the quality. Just 2 bronze. Gold medal remain elusive since 1994.
Verdict : Below expectation
Shooting
They never had silver medals at this level and they proved with 2 silver and 1 bronze. Mostly rookies, should they train harder, gold medal is within reach.
Verdict : Exceeded expectation
Swimming
After Lim Keng Liat, Elvin Chia, no more successors. We really need someone, else, we will continue to sink in pool.
Verdict : Below expectation
Squash
Datuk Nicol was our hope and she delivered for both individual and team. Ong Beng Hee failed to complete the collection after loosing both ties to India. We may not have Nicol for next edition as player, but we can still hope on wee wern, but for men, we had to recall Azlan to help the weak team. Ivan and Nafizwan was just not up to the Asian standard. Something serious need to be made.
Verdict : Meet expectation
Taekwondo
We finished empty handed for this edition. We had 3 but none made a strong impact. It was those days where we had Lee Wan Yuen, but now no more.
Verdict : Below expectation
Rugby
We were trashed and only managed 8th position for men and 9th for ladies. The trashing scores even went above 50. We should win sea games before going to Asian Games.
Verdict : Below expectation
Table Tennis
We still relied on old horse-Beh Lee Wei. This just proves, we can't produce new talent. We couldn't even get pass the group stage. Only team win was against Nepal. Luckily, we didn't send our men team, else it will be another disgrace.
Verdict : Below expectation
Weightlifting
We had only 1 representative and he finished 11 out of 14. We can't just focus on Commonwealth and neglecting Asian Games.
Verdict : Below expectation
Wushu
We only had 1 gold medal and it was the 1st medal for the games. But it was returned. It was sad ending, when the athlete was tested positive for using sibutramine. It's a supplement to control weight. We appealed but it was rejected. Though, there were rumors that it was a sabotage because the reports were delayed and not reported timely manner. Not sure if she took it directly or mixed in milk or drinks. But no other athletes finished with medal too.
Verdict : Below expectation
I just want to say, we have spent so much on preparation, facilities, supplements, but this is the overall results. It's either:
1. We restructure the management/association
2. Sack the athletes and bring in new blood
3. Stop playing politics on selection of players
4. send only potential medalist to the events.
5. Get overseas coaches
We need to do something, as olympics 2016 is just less than 20 months.
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