Aichi-Nagoya:The National Sports Council (NSC) has called for a review of the planning and development systems for athletics, swimming, archery, and shooting following their failure to secure medals at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin emphasized the need for joint assessments with respective associations and coaching teams to identify the weaknesses that prevented these sports from achieving stronger performances at the Asian Games. He expressed confidence in the potential of these sports to compete at higher levels, stressing the importance of reassessing planning and implementing necessary measures to enhance competitiveness.

Jefri pointed out that despite athletes winning gold medals at the SEA Games, they failed to replicate their success at the Asiad, indicating a performance gap that needs comprehensive addressing. He highlighted that coordinated efforts with associations and coaches are crucial for athletes to reach higher competitive levels.

In swimming, Jefri noted the importance of excelling at the Southeast Asian level as a stepping stone before aiming for medals at the Asian Games. He also mentioned that athletics requires a review of planning and rectification of identified weaknesses.

He advised against merely labeling the Aichi-Nagoya outcome as a medal-less performance and urged for concrete action and improved planning, including training, association management, and coaching preparations.

Meanwhile, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary-general Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali highlighted the need for better competition exposure, equipment, and coaching services, particularly in archery and shooting. He emphasized that athletes should participate in more competitions annually to enhance their capabilities.

Nasir also underlined the importance of effective association management in systematically developing athletes, especially in underperforming sports. He advised setting realistic targets for athletics to restore its competitiveness on the Asian stage, advocating for at least one or two medals in future competitions.