The Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) are right on track says Youth and Sports Minister YB Brig Gen Khairy Jamaluddin who gave the “thumbs up” after visiting the National Tennis Sports Complex today.
Khairy, the chairman of the Malaysia Organising Committee (MASOC), was delighted after reviewing the progress of the KL2017 Games tennis venue. Tennis will be held from Aug 21-26.
“There are only some on-going touches required for the arena. Overall, I believe the venue is ready for the Games,” said Khairy.
During the visit, a new paint job was in progress at the arena. It was evident the LTAM has stepped up the pace to have the tournament proper venue in tip-top condition before the tournament gets underway.
Last week, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, the secretary general of the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS), was present to inspect the improvements being done to the arena.
Khairy, who was introduced to the SEA Games national team, believes that hosts Malaysia, who were not expected to win medals in the sport, may spring a surprise in this year’s biennial Games.
“We may not have set any any targets for tennis in the SEA Games but you may never know what will happen.
“The team may pull a surprise as the players have been provided a good training regime that looks very good,” said Khairy.
Meanwhile, Khairy, who will don national colours in Equestrian Polo event, said  Malaysia’s quest to win the gold medal for the third time since 2007, said:
“We’ve been trying to balance the training schedule so we’ll see how it goes but the striking the gold looks good thus far.
The reigning champions struck gold in their last two outing in Singapore (1983) and Thailand (2007). – BY ALVIN OH
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