Malaysia to overhaul athletics, swimming, archery and shooting after Asian Games flop

At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Malaysia did not secure a single medal in athletics, swimming, archery or shooting, prompting calls for a systematic overhaul. NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin announced a collaborative assessment with the sport associations and coaching staff to identify planning gaps and strengthen competitiveness. He noted that while Malaysian athletes have succeeded at the SEA Games level, they have not been able to replicate that success on the Asian stage, highlighting a performance gap that needs comprehensive address.

OCM secretary-general Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali pointed to deficiencies in equipment, competition exposure and coaching services, particularly in archery and shooting, and urged more frequent participation in international events. Both leaders emphasized the need for better association management and realistic target setting, aiming to secure at least one or two medals in future Asian Games. The proposed reforms will focus on training, resource allocation and strategic planning to raise the standard of the four sports.