Nagoya:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has congratulated national e-sports athlete Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira for securing Malaysia's second gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, through a Facebook post, emphasized that Taj Izrin Aiman's victory in the Gran Turismo 7 event should inspire the youth of Malaysia. He encouraged young people to engage in activities that bring pride to the nation, using Taj's success as an example.

The Prime Minister, currently on an official visit to China, expressed his commitment to keeping abreast of the performances of Malaysia's athletes at the Games. He urged them to continue striving for success.

Malaysia is participating in nine out of the 11 e-sports events at the Games, with the Malaysia Esports Federation targeting at least five medals. The country's previous best in e-sports was at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, where Malaysia won a silver in Arena of Valor and a bronze in Dota 2.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which commenced last Saturday, will continue until October 4. In addition to Taj's achievement, Prime Minister Anwar also celebrated national karate athlete C. Shahmalarani, who won Malaysia's third gold medal in the women's under-50kg kumite event, describing it as a proud moment for the nation.

Shahmalarani's victory came after defeating Hong Kong's Tsang Yee Ting at the Toyohashi Gymnasium, with the judges' decision following a 0-0 final bout.