Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Esports Federation (MESF) is targeting at least five medals from the nine events it will compete in at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MESF president Muhammad Naim Al Amin Saharudin announced Malaysia's confirmed participation in nine of the 11 esports events at the prestigious Games. He expressed confidence that the national squad could improve on its previous performance. Honor of Kings (HOK), which contributed to Malaysia's silver medal win at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, is expected to be a key contender for medals, alongside E-Racing, E-Football, Identity V, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).
"What is important is that we want to bring home at least five medals for the country. We are certainly hoping for a gold, but we do not want to put additional pressure on the athletes," Muhammad Naim stated during a visit to the Sports Training Venue in preparation for the Asian Games at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil. He emphasized that this is only the second time esports has been included in the Asian Games and highlighted the team's goal to improve on their previous record.
Muhammad Naim noted that HOK is expected to at least replicate the silver-medal achievement from the previous edition, although the team's success will also depend on the tournament draw. Team manager Amir Syafiq revealed that the national esports contingent heading to Japan will consist of 44 athletes and eight coaches, with almost the entire roster featuring new faces.
"It can be said that 99 per cent are new faces. In esports, changes happen very quickly, and a lot can change within four years, so this year we are bringing many new faces," Amir Syafiq said. The athlete selection process was merit-based and varied according to the game, considering professional league standings for events such as MLBB, HOK, and PUBG Mobile.
For E-Racing, the internal selection was conducted by former national Formula One driver Alex Yoong, while Identity V will field a team that has consistently represented the country in international tournaments. Muhammad Naim praised Alex Yoong's involvement, noting that MESF had collaborated with the former racer for over two years, resulting in improved athlete preparations and performances.