Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Hou Kok Chung is delighted with the national football team's performance in their first match against defending champions Ukraine at the World University Games (Universiade), Shenzhen on Thursday.
Kok Chung, who visited the Malaysia contingent at the Games village yesterday, said despite the team losing 2-1 he was pleased with the quality of play and the fighting spirit shown by the players.
"The team spirit shown was very commendable and although we were clearly the underdogs we came very close to shocking the champions if not for the last minute goal," he said.
Kok Chung said if all the athletes from Malaysia showed the same level of spirit and confidence they would be able to achieve great feats at the Games.
"Passion for the game and a good level of confidence are important if an athlete is to succeed in sports," said Kok Chung.
"Although our athletes may not be as physically big as their opponents here they should not be afraid and must have faith in their own abilities."
The deputy minister said the intermittent spells of rain and sunshine, similar to Malaysian weather, was an advantage for the athletes to compete in but was not going to pressure them for a first ever gold medal at the Games.
"We are hoping they will be able to deliver a first gold medal but are not going to pressure them. We just expect them to try their very best."
Kok Chung also praised the organisers for a well run event and was pleased that Malaysian athletes had managed to settle down quickly at the Games venue.
"The organisers have done a very good job and it is good to see our athletes have settled down quickly so they can perform well here, especially as it is being held during the fasting month," he said.
Kok Chung, who visited the Malaysia contingent at the Games village yesterday, said despite the team losing 2-1 he was pleased with the quality of play and the fighting spirit shown by the players.
"The team spirit shown was very commendable and although we were clearly the underdogs we came very close to shocking the champions if not for the last minute goal," he said.
Kok Chung said if all the athletes from Malaysia showed the same level of spirit and confidence they would be able to achieve great feats at the Games.
"Passion for the game and a good level of confidence are important if an athlete is to succeed in sports," said Kok Chung.
"Although our athletes may not be as physically big as their opponents here they should not be afraid and must have faith in their own abilities."
The deputy minister said the intermittent spells of rain and sunshine, similar to Malaysian weather, was an advantage for the athletes to compete in but was not going to pressure them for a first ever gold medal at the Games.
"We are hoping they will be able to deliver a first gold medal but are not going to pressure them. We just expect them to try their very best."
Kok Chung also praised the organisers for a well run event and was pleased that Malaysian athletes had managed to settle down quickly at the Games venue.
"The organisers have done a very good job and it is good to see our athletes have settled down quickly so they can perform well here, especially as it is being held during the fasting month," he said.
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