KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian National Silat Federation (PESAKA) are happy that the sacrifices their exponents made in preparing for the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games has been rewarded with a best-ever haul of 10 gold.
It's secretary general Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin said the national body had been confident from the onset due to the quality of exponents as well as the thorough preparation the team went through.
"Some have asked me why I felt so confident we could achieve our eight-gold target," said Megat Zulkarnain.
"I have a lot of experience in this sport and I know this is the strongest team we have ever had.
"The team have also been through tough training programmes which some have even considered cruel as the team were forced to be away from their families, including during the Hari Raya Celebrations.
"But thanks to our training regime, we have managed to win 10 gold and exceed our target. They would not have been able to achieve it if they (exponents) did not have the mental strength."
Megat disclosed that Malaysia will look to retain the same group of exponents for the Indonesia Asian Games next year, where the sport is expected to make it debut.