OCM President says 2026 Commonwealth and Asian Games will gauge Malaysia’s real competitive level, building towards 2027 SEA Games and 2028 Olympic gold
MALAYSIA’s participation in major 2026 sporting events will serve as a crucial benchmark for its true global standing.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) President Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria (pic) said the focus extends beyond just winning medals at these competitions.
He outlined 2026 as a pivotal year packed with challenges and opportunities on the global stage.
“Our core mission this year is two major multi-sports games: the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in July, and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in October,” he said.
“These are not just competitions; they are the ultimate testing grounds.”
Mohamad Norza stated the nation must carry its momentum from 2025 into the events in Scotland and Japan.
He emphasised the importance of long-term athlete development, highlighting the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
These initiatives form part of a larger strategic roadmap for Malaysian sport.
“We are building the engine that will drive us towards hosting the 34th SEA Games here in Malaysia in 2027,” he added.
“Furthermore, every podium finish this year brings us one step closer to our ultimate national aspiration.”
That aspiration is securing Malaysia’s first-ever Olympic gold medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
He concluded by calling for unity, discipline and focus from the entire sporting fraternity.
The OCM President reflected on a landmark 2025 for Malaysian athletics.
He extended gratitude to athletes and officials for establishing a robust foundation.
Notable 2025 achievements included success at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
The national contingent there collected 12 medals, comprising one gold, two silver and nine bronze.
Malaysia also won three bronze medals at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh.
Mohamad Norza praised the contingent’s outstanding showing at the SEA Games in Thailand.
The team amassed 231 medals — 57 gold, 57 silver and 117 bronze — a record haul for an overseas SEA Games.
“This stands as our highest ever total medal haul at a SEA Games outside of Malaysia, proving that our tiger spirit roars loudly, no matter where we compete,” he said.
