Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian contingent is now hunting for bonus medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after successfully achieving the main target of five gold and two silver early, said the country's chef de mission (CDM) to Glasgow 2026 Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the national contingent has so far collected five gold, two silver, and three bronze medals, falling just one bronze short of their overall target of five gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. With several days of competition remaining, Awalan remains optimistic that Malaysia can expand its medal collection through events such as field bowling, weightlifting, track cycling, and judo.
Awalan expressed gratitude for meeting the initial target, noting, "Alhamdulillah, we have managed to achieve the target of five gold, while two silvers have also been achieved. Now we have three bronzes compared to the original target of 5-2-4." He remains hopeful for additional medals as competition continues, stating, "We still have a few days of competition and a few more medal prospects. Hopefully, we can bring home more medals for the country."
Awalan also commended the athletes for their medal contributions, recognizing their dedication amid challenges during preparation and competition. The weightlifting camp secured four out of the five national golds, with victories from Mohamad Aniq Kasdan in the men's 60 kilogramme (kg) category, Muhammad Aznil Bidin (men's 65kg), Muhammad Erry Hidayat (men's 79kg), and Muhammad Hafizuddin Roslin in the men's 88kg category. The fifth gold was delivered by para long jumper Datuk Abdul Latif Romly in the men's T20 event.
The field bowling camp presented two silver medals, while three bronze medals were earned in weightlifting, para powerlifting, and para athletics. "For them to reach this level and win gold, silver, and bronze medals is not easy. If you look at the weightlifters who have won the majority of gold medals, they have gone through various challenges. Some are not very healthy and some have taken high risks to do heavy lifting," Awalan remarked.
Additionally, Awalan highlighted the unique achievement of the women's field bowling pair, Aleena Ahmad Nawawi and Syafiqa Haidar Afif Abdul Rahman, who claimed silver while Syafiqa competed five months pregnant. He also lauded Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple for making history as the first Malaysian player to win a medal in the men's singles event at the Commonwealth Games, securing a silver.
The Glasgow 2026 games commenced on July 23 and are set to conclude on August 2.