AFTE R a fruitful 2007, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) is looking forward to a groundbreaking 2008.
"When we mention 2008, the thing that comes to our minds is the strong possibility of Malaysia winning its first ever gold medal at the Olympics.
"Despite the many challenges and controversies, we completed 2007 with a feel good feeling after securing 68 gold medals -- the best ever performance by our contingent outside Malaysia --at the Sea Games in Thailand," said Tunku Imran.
Malaysia won 68 gold medals, despite a slow start, which is the best ever haul outside of the country.
More qualifiers are expected from badminton, cycling, diving and sailing. The men's hockey team are also in the running for qualification.
Former international hockey player, coach and manager, Datuk Ho Koh Chye will be the Chef-de-Mission to the Beijing Games.
"The fact that many have qualified on merit is an indication that our standards are improving at a fast rate," said Tunku Imran.
However, the greatest achievement for OCM in 2008 would surely be the formulation of the Rating System (RS), a method to determine the strengths and weaknesses of national sports associations (NSAs).
"The RS is a joint effort by the OCM and the National Sports Council (NSC) and this will help us identify the needs of the NSAs and how to provide the necessary assistance," said OCM deputy president Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan, who is also the chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on RS.
Dr. Jega confirrmed the RS, which is expected to be implemented this month, would be for all NSAs, including those not affiliated to OCM.
BEIJING OLYMPICS QUALIFIERS -- Men: Bryan Nickson Lomas (diving), Daniel William Henry Bego (swimming), Cheng Chu Sian, Muhammad Marbawi Sulaiman, Wan Khalmizan Wan Ab Aziz (archery), Hasli Izwan Amir Hassan (shooting).
WOMEN: Siow Yi Ting, Khoo Cai Lin (swimming), Roslinda Samsu, Yuan Yu Fang (athletics), Elaine Teo, Che Chew Chan (taekwondo).
NST
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