Malaysia’s sports ministry is considering a specific gold medal target for the 2027 SEA Games to achieve overall champion status as host, moving away from total medal counts.
THE Youth and Sports Ministry is studying a new approach for setting the national contingent’s medal target for the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia.
Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the proposal involves setting a specific gold medal target instead of the total medal count used previously.
He emphasised that the move is still under discussion and requires thorough examination. The aim is to ensure any announced targets do not place undue pressure on athletes or affect their morale ahead of the biennial games.
“We need more research and scrutiny so that it does not affect the athletes, either in terms of morale or their spirit,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama.
The new approach considers Malaysia’s role as host of the 34th edition of the Games. Dr Mohammed Taufiq said the challenge is now greater than in previous editions.
He stated that as host, the target must shift from merely finishing in the top three to becoming the overall champion. “To become the champion, we definitely need to target the most gold medals,” he said.
Therefore, the ministry plans to hold engagement sessions with various stakeholders before finalising any decisions. These sessions will involve national sports associations, athletes, and sports experts.
In recent years, the national contingent has adopted a more cautious approach by setting only a total medal target. The proposed shift marks a strategic change in preparation for hosting duties.
Meanwhile, Dr Mohammed Taufiq identified sepak takraw as a sport with high potential to contribute to Malaysia’s success in 2027. He hopes the squad’s current momentum of success can be maintained.
He expressed a desire for the excellent achievements at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand to act as a catalyst for greater success at home. “We do not want the success to stop there,” he said.
The ministry is in discussion with the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation on efforts to expand athletes’ international exposure. The goal is to gain experience and drive performance to the highest level.
He also stressed the importance of developing new talent at the grassroots level to ensure the sport’s continued success. “We do not want a period of vacancy for replacements,” he said.
At the 2025 SEA Games, the national men’s sepak takraw squad ended a 34-year wait for a gold medal in the team regu event. They defeated traditional rival and host Thailand in the final before adding another gold by beating Vietnam.
The Sun Malaysia
