PHNOM PENH, May 7 (NNN-Bernama) — A day after SEA Games 2023 officially raised its curtains, the national contingent can heave a sigh of relief after securing medals Saturday.
This was because the national camp had found itself coming up short as other competing nations took an early lead in the medal tally.
The 12 medals won Saturday comprising two gold, two silver and eight bronze were described by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh as an excellent start.
Praise has to be given to the karate squad who contributed two gold medals through defending champion C. Shahmalarani and 2019 champion S. Prem Kumar.
Malaysia secured their first medal of the games in the morning when Wan Athirah Hidayah Ahmad Fuzli won the bronze in the women’s obstacle race event.
Meanwhile, Malaysia will have the opportunity to add to its gold medal collection through the indoor hockey squads.
Both the men’s and women’s teams will defend the gold medals won in the 2019 edition when they play in the final Sunday.
The men will face Indonesia while the women’s squad will be playing against Thailand.
At the end of competition Saturday, Malaysian contingent is in ninth place.
Hosts Cambodia top the medal chart with 18 gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze, followed by Indonesia in second place with 8-7-11 while Thailand are third with 7-10-14.
— NNN-BERNAMA