Continue delivering surprises in remaining Asian Games competitions - Hannah Yeoh

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh hopes that more national athletes will deliver surprises in the remaining competitions at the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China.

Yeoh said the success of experienced national equestrian champion Mohd Qabil Ambak Mahamad Fathil who achieved a surprise gold medal in the individual dressage event, should serve as an inspiration to other athletes.

"We have announced the target of 27 medals and so far there have been some surprising developments such as Mohd Qabil winning gold. That was beyond our expectations.

"Good and indeed we want a surprise like this. We also want to see which athletes can deliver a surprise when given the opportunity and stand out," she told Sukan Sinar after officiating the SJCYFL tournament at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan USJ 4, Subang Jaya, today.

The national contingent previously took a safe approach by no longer specifying medal targets but aimed for 27 medals in total regardless of the colour in the sports event.

Meanwhile, Hannah was also optimistic that the national contingent will be able to achieve the set target even without the prospect of a medal from Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, who will not be competing in the Asian Games 2022 due to an injury.

"We hope we can still achieve 27 medals despite losing Azizulhasni who is one of the national contingent's medal targets at the Asian Games.

“Azizulhasni is injured and I hope he recovers and focuses on the Olympics. So, I hope other athletes can cover his loss this time," she said.