Malaysia
Malaysia flag
Population: 25.3 million (UN, 2005 est.)
Size: 329,750 sq km
2004 Athens Olympics: Competed but no medals
2002 Busan Asian Games: 6 gold, 8 silver, 16 bronze
Position in medals table: 12th
Athletes to watch:
Badminton player Lee Chong Wei is currently ranked second in the world. In 2005, he won the Danish Open and successfully defended his Malaysian Open title. In March 2006, he won the men's singles title at the Commonwealth Games, beating fellow countryman Wong Chong Hann.
Squash player Onge Beng Hee has shown a return to good form in 2006, reaching the last 16 at the Bermuda Masters and the final of the Kuala Lumpur (KL) Open. He is currently ranked 13 in the world.
Malaysia put in an excellent showing at the Southeast Asian Games in gymnastics and Sha Wai Ng, the country's top male gymnast, picked up a silver medal in the floor exercise at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Profile:
Malaysia has a distinguished history in hosting international sport, with the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur being a highlight.
As well as top class cycling, badminton, squash, bowls, hockey and swimming facilities, the national stadium, with a capacity of 100,000, can host football and athletics meets at the highest level.
At the Southeast Asian Games of 2005, Malaysia finished fourth on the medals table, dominating gymnastics with nine gold, seven silver and three bronze medals.
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