GLASGOW, July 27 — Although Malaysia has only won one gold medal so far, the contingent is still on track to achieve the seven gold medal target at the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

“As the championships have only entered the third day, we are optimistic of  meeting the target over the next eight days of competition,” National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong told Bernama today.

He stressed the medal target was set by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), and Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin agreed the target was realistic.

He said the target was made based on the current situation which took into consideration that several sports were not featured this time.

“We need to think positively and not make premature speculation,” added Zolkples.

Yesterday, Malaysia clinched its first gold medal through Mohd Hafifi Mansor in the men’s 69kg weightlifting event.

The country has now collected one gold, two silver and three bronze medals. The silver medals were delivered by Mohd Zulhelmi Pisol (weightlifting) and Wong Poh San (rhythmic gymnastics).

 “Initially, rhythmic gymnastics was our hope for gold but I am satisfied with their performance here. This is the best achievement in their debut at the Commonwealth Games,” said Zolkples.

In another development, the women’s ping-pong squad entered the final after defeating Australia 3-1, and will meet defending champions, Singapore today. —  Bernama