06 Nov Gold hopes lifted with duo’s return

THE Malaysian sepaktakraw squad to the Asian Games have been given a boost with the return of Mohd Futra Abdul Ghani and Mohd Normanizam. The duo, together with Mohammad Zulkarnain, are Malaysia’s best bets to win a gold medal in the inter-regu event in Doha. According to national sepaktakraw team manager DSP Idris Karim the duo were initially doubtful of making the trip after both suffered ankle injuries. However, Idris said the duo have now been given the all-clear by doctors from the National Sports Institute (NSI). “We are glad that Mohd Futra and Mohd Normanizam have been given the green light to play, even though earlier they had been complaining of pain,” said Idris in a telephone interview from Langkawi where the team are undergoing their final phase of training. Futra, Normanizam and Zulkarnian are best remembered for ending Malaysia’s 12-year Sea Games gold drought in last year’s Manila Games. “Preparations are going on well and we will be returning to Kuala Lumpur on Nov 13. “After that, the players will undergo medical screening and anti-doping tests just before we leave for Doha on Nov 18.” Mohd Normanizam, who plays as a ‘tekong’ (server) is the only member in the 15-member squad who can execute the ‘sepak kuda’ with an ace. Malaysia will be competing for three of the six gold medals on offer in Doha – the men’s team, inter-regu and doubles. The last time Malaysia won gold at the Asian Games was in Hiroshima in1994. Then, Malaysia picked up two gold medals via the team and inter-regu. In Busan four years ago, Malaysia won a silver in the team event and a bronze in the inter-regu.