From Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif
GLASGOW, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- 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 said this was evident from the achievements of several local coaches who guided Malaysian athletes to impressive results at the Games.
He said the success was highlighted by the weightlifting squad under Edmund Yeo, lawn bowls under Fairul Izwan Abdul Muin, track cycling led by Harnizam Basri and judo coached by Md Nashriq Md Nassir.
“I am very impressed with the achievements of our local coaches. In weightlifting, we have coach Edmund, while in lawn bowls, former athletes have gone on to become coaches and they are very dedicated.
“In track cycling, Harnizam has showcased his leadership, while in judo, coach Md Nashriq has done exceptionally well in guiding Amir Daniel (Amir Daniel Abdul Majeed) to win the gold medal,” he told a press conference on the national contingent’s performance here today.
Weightlifting emerged as the pillar of the contingent’s success at the Games, contributing five golds, one silver and one bronze.
Amir Daniel made history when he delivered 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 said these achievements proved that local coaches have the potential and expertise to take on key leadership roles within their respective teams.
“Our coaches have the potential and expertise if they are given opportunities and support from all parties, including the NSC and sports associations. They need to be given the trust to lead the main coaching teams in their respective squads,” he said.
Malaysia ended its Glasgow 2026 campaign with eight gold, three silver and five bronze medals, surpassing its initial target (5-2-4)
The eight-gold haul is the country’s best achievement since winning 12 gold medals at the 2010 New Delhi edition, while also surpassing its Birmingham 2022 tally by one gold.
-- BERNAMA