Malaysia Targets Five Gold Medals at 2026 Commonwealth Games

Malaysia is setting an ambitious target of five gold medals for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled from July 23 to August 2. The National Sports Council (MSN) is adopting a more focused approach, moving away from previous bulk medal targets.

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The absence of badminton and rhythmic gymnastics affected our initial targets, but based on current performances, we have three world champions in our contingent this time.

The Malaysian contingent, comprising 59 athletes, will participate in eight sports. The specific medal goal is five gold, two silver, and four bronze, with key hopes resting on weightlifting, cycling, lawn bowls, judo, powerlifting, and para-athletics. MSN Director-General Jefri Ngadirin believes this target is realistic, even with the absence of badminton and rhythmic gymnastics, which were previously strong medal prospects.

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From Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (powerlifting athlete), Datuk Abdul Latif Romly (para-athletics), and Emma (Firyana Saroji) (lawn bowler) who was just crowned World No. 1, it shows that the sports we have focused on can deliver top performances.

"The absence of badminton and rhythmic gymnastics affected our initial targets," Jefri admitted. "However, based on current performances, we have three world champions in our contingent this time." He specifically mentioned powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, para-athlete Datuk Abdul Latif Romly, and lawn bowler Emma Firyana Saroji, who recently achieved world No. 1 status, as reasons for optimism.

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So, the 5-2-4 target is a realistic goal that can be achieved based on our assessments since last year. The report card we presented indicates we might be able to get more medals.

Jefri stated that the 5-2-4 medal projection is achievable, based on evaluations conducted since last year. He added that the performance report indicates the potential to secure even more medals. The MSN is confident that the athletes, many of whom are experienced in major events, can handle the pressure associated with these specific targets.

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Actually, if you look at the SEA Games, a different approach was used because a large portion, 52 percent, were new athletes compared to the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, where most are experienced athletes accustomed to pressure.