The Asian Games has just concluded and what a splash it was literally. As expected China turned out to be a splendid host and what an extravaganza it was.    

The final gold medal tally simply showed China right at the top with gold dominating the glitter along with silver and bronze shining brightly. Indeed many countries did better their previous performances in the gold tally with total medal tallies fluctuating.

Some like Bangladesh and Afganistan beat some of the world’s best as in the inaugural cricket match with Bangladesh getting the first cricket gold medal, much to the joy of its citizens and many more in the cricket fraternity.

Now surely that is inspiring to many around the world of sports and the story repeats for most other sports people from participating countries

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Many of these players do not come from nations where government support towards international sports events is so astute to the point of military training and discipline. Their wholesome and  individually motivated achievement is considered by many as joyfully humane.

Even Malaysia improved on her gold medal haulage from the previous best of 8 to this games’ 9 and the nation is proud of not just these gold medallists but also the silver and bronze medallists whose combined haulage enabled Malaysia a higher total medal tally.

Imagine if it was just 9 gold medals and no silver or bronze ...we would then be way down in total tally.

Anyway, all medals are important especially in international sports where competition is fierce.

A special mention must be made for our karate kumite gold medallist Puvaneswaran who has contributed important medals to many Asian games to date. His dogged persistence is worth a further National award mention.

Surely he is a better example to the youth of our beloved nation of what individual hard work and discipline can consistently produce.

With more individuals getting interested in various sports and receiving more support from their respective governments, many countries including Malaysia should be able to always better their achievements for future international events.