THE Malaysian contingent to the 31st SEA Games has been advised to remain focused on their mission following the loss of a silver medal after the swimming team was disqualified yesterday. 

Malaysian chef-de-mission (CDM) Nur Azmi Ahmad said even though everyone was disappointed over the false start incident in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay last night, athletes must be prepared, especially psychologically, to achieve their target.

“Although our managers and coaches tried their best to protest against it, as a CDM I am disappointed about the referees decision. 

“What is important is that our athletes must be ready and focused on our target and their mission in Hanoi,” he told Bernama in Hanoi today.

Malaysia lost a silver medal in the 4x100 freestyle relay after the Malaysian and Singaporean teams were disqualified for false starts at the end of the relay at the Aquatic Sports Palace in Hanoi.

Based on the initial results shown on the scoreboard, Singapore, powered by former Olympic champion Joseph Schooling, Mikkel Lee, Quah Zheng Wen and Jonathan Tan finished first with a time of three minutes and 17.19 seconds.

Malaysia, represented by Welson Sim, Lim Yin Chuen, Khiew Hoe Yean and Arvin Shaun Singh Chahal, came in second with a time of 3:20.13s, faster than the national record of 3:21.06s set in the 2018 Asian Games, followed by Vietnam (3:21.81s).

The disqualification of Singapore and Malaysia saw Vietnam being awarded the gold, while Indonesia (3:24.090s) and Thailand (3:24.280s) took the silver and bronze respectively. – Bernama, May 15, 2022.