KUALA LUMPUR: Flag football player Mark Kang believes that Malaysia can make their mark in this sport internationally and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Mark is the captain of the national team currently competing in the inaugural International Federation of American Football (Ifaf) Asia-Oceania Continental Flag Football Championship at the EV Arena in Shah Alam.
Flag football is a new addition to the 2028 Olympics. The sport is a variant of American football where, instead of tackling players, the opposing team remove a flag belt from the ball carrier.
Mark said Malaysia aim to do well in the Asia-Oceania Continental Championship where they are drawn in Group B with South Korea, New Zealand, Thailand and Indonesia.
Group A has favourites Japan, India, Australia, Kuwait, Singapore and the Philippines.
"It's a realistic dream. We can qualify for the Olympics but we must work hard for it.
"It's a privilege to be playing against these nations and we've trained hard for the last six months. We want to walk in with pride, respect the players and the sport," said Mark.
Ifaf Malaysia representative Daryll Nathaniel said continuous efforts will be made to ensure the national team have a shot at the Olympics.
"It's still far away but we hope to qualify for the World Championship in Finland next year which depends on how we perform, funding and other factors. After that the women's team will be going to the World Games in China in 2025, which will add to the ranking," said Daryll.
