Malaysia targets 111 SEA Games gold medals, 103 for Asean Para Games (Updated)

PUTRAJAYA: The Youth and Sports Ministry has set a target of 111 gold medals for the Malaysian contingent to achieve in the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (KL2017).
Its minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the 111 gold medals target was set after taking into consideration all factors and performance of athletes in recent times.
"Based on the 111 gold medals that was needed to clinch the overall title during the 2001 Sea Games, we are confident that a similar gold medal haul would allow us to be crowned overall champions again," he said during a press conference today.
He added that while 111 gold medals was set as target for the Sea Games, the ministry set 103 gold medals as the target for the Asean Para Games.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak urged the 874 athletes taking part to go all out and ensure the country is crowned overall champions.
The Prime Minister said every Malaysian would want to see the country's athletes in action on their home ground as a boost to ensure the national flag flew proudly and the national anthem, Negaraku, played at every event involving national athletes.
"With this advantage, we are confident history would be created and we want all of you to give your best to ensure the national contingent emerges as overall champions," he said to the cries of "Boleh" (Can) by athletes at Dewan Perdana in PICC.
Najib also recalled the success of the national contingent in winning 67 gold medals and overall second place in the 1989 edition when he was the youth and sports minister.