KUALA LUMPUR, June 27- Achieving the gold medal target set for the World University Games (Universiade) in Kazan, Russia is not impossible said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin said a holistic initiative was taken to prepare the athletes who were selected through a process that included centralised training and exposing them to various competitions and programmes.
He called on the athletes chosen for the Universiade to at least perform better than 2011 Universiade in Shenzen where Malaysia had won a silver and two bronze medals.
“It is hoped that the concerted efforts of the various agencies like the National Sports Council, National Sports Institute and sports associations would help spur the athletes to achieve the intended target,” said Muhyiddin after handing the Jalur Gemilang to the Malaysian contingent for the 2013 Universiade, in Parliament, here, yesterday.
“I believe the Universiade would provide all athletes a world class competition while those selected will have an opportunity to showcase their talent and achieve their desired results.”
Muhyiddin said Malaysia’s participation in the Universiade was an important agenda in the country’s aspiration to enhance the status of sports because more than 200 countries would be taking part.
The Deputy Prime Minister who is also the Education Minister said the ministry was committed towards developing sports and producing world class athletes.
Muhyiddin later handed the Jalur Gemilang to Chef-de-Mission Datuk Prof Madya Dr Kasim Md Mansur.
Malaysia will be sending a 179-member contingent to the Universiade to be held from July 6 to 17, comprising athletes and officials.
They (athletes) will take part in 14 of the 27 sports contested, namely swimming, badminton, chess, diving, football, fencing, judo, hockey, athletics, rugby 7s, shooting, tennis, weightlifting and rowing.
– BERNAMA
