KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan has vowed to steer Malaysia’s contingent to greater success at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, aiming to make the nation’s presence felt on the continental stage.
The newly appointed Chef de Mission (CDM) said he would explore every strategy to ensure the Jalur Gemilang shines brighter than ever in the Land of the Rising Sun.
“We are determined to find ways to improve our medal haul, particularly aiming for more golds than before. Every CDM’s goal is to surpass previous performances, and we must work tirelessly towards that,” he said when contacted.
As president of the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia, Sumali hopes his experience leading the national sepak takraw team in major tournaments will help guide the wider contingent to a strong showing.
Serving also as vice-president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), he stressed the importance of collaboration and learning from the experience of former CDMs to meet his targets.
“The Asian Games present a greater challenge than the SEA Games. I hope to work closely with all sports associations while staying engaged with the athletes. Insya-Allah, I will monitor the progress and performances of every athlete representing Malaysia at the Games,” he added.
Sumali expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him by OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, and for the endorsement of Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
At the previous Games in Hangzhou in 2022, Malaysia won six golds, eight silvers, and 18 bronzes, while its best showing came in 2010 in Guangzhou, China, with nine golds, 18 silvers, and 14 bronzes.
The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to run from September 19 to October 4. – March 15, 2026