Kuala lumpur: The success of Malaysian athletes at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games is proof that local coaches possess the expertise and capability to lead national squads if given the right opportunities and support. National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Jefri Ngadirin highlighted the achievements of several local coaches who guided Malaysian athletes to impressive results at the Games.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the success was underscored by the contributions of the weightlifting squad under Edmund Yeo, the lawn bowls team led by Fairul Izwan Abdul Muin, the track cycling team under Harnizam Basri, and the judo team coached by Md Nashriq Md Nassir. Jefri expressed his admiration for the achievements of local coaches, noting Edmund's leadership in weightlifting, and the dedication of former athletes who transitioned into coaching in lawn bowls. He also praised Harnizam's leadership in track cycling and Md Nashriq's role in guiding Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed to a historic gold medal in judo.

Weightlifting emerged as the cornerstone of the contingent's success at the Games, contributing five golds, one silver, and one bronze. Amir Daniel made history by securing Malaysia's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in judo after triumphing in the below-81kg category. The track cycling squad also clinched gold through Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang in men's keirin, while lawn bowls contributed two silver and two bronze medals, including a bronze from the para lawn bowls squad.

Jefri stated that these achievements demonstrate that local coaches have the potential and expertise to assume key leadership roles within their respective teams. He emphasized the importance of providing local coaches with opportunities and support from all parties, including the NSC and sports associations, to lead the main coaching teams effectively.

Malaysia concluded its Glasgow 2026 campaign with a total of eight gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, surpassing its initial target of five golds, two silvers, and four bronzes. The eight-gold haul marks the country's best performance since winning 12 gold medals at the 2010 New Delhi edition and exceeds its Birmingham 2022 tally by one gold.

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