Second Only to Thailand: Malaysia's Place in Southeast Asia's Final Asian Games Medal Standings
Malaysia's nine golds made it Southeast Asia's second-best nation at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, behind Thailand and ahead of Indonesia and the Philippines.
With the final medal table confirmed, one comparison matters a lot to Malaysian fans: how did Malaysia do against its Southeast Asian neighbours?
Malaysia's 9 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze put it 11th overall and second in Southeast Asia, behind Thailand.
The Southeast Asian standings
Final medal table, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 (Southeast Asian nations):
| Overall rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Thailand | 18 | 13 | 21 | 52 |
| 11 | Malaysia | 9 | 7 | 16 | 32 |
| 16 | Indonesia | 5 | 11 | 23 | 39 |
| 17 | Philippines | 4 | 9 | 16 | 29 |
| 20 | Vietnam | 3 | 3 | 19 | 25 |
| 21 | Singapore | 2 | 9 | 7 | 18 |
| 24 | Myanmar | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
The table is ranked by gold medals. Indonesia won more medals overall (39), but Malaysia's nine golds put it five places higher.
Gold over volume
This result matches the strategy the Youth and Sports Ministry and the National Sports Council (NSC) chose before the Games: aim for gold medals rather than a large total. Malaysia's 32 medals are the same number it won at Hangzhou 2022. But Hangzhou brought 6 golds and 14th place, while Nagoya brought 9 golds and 11th.
The golds came from five sports:
- Squash (4): Ng Eain Yow and S. Sivasangari retained their singles titles, and both team events were won.
- Karate (2): Adeola Fay Robert and C. Shahmalarani in women's kumite.
- Sepak takraw (1): men's team regu, beating Thailand in the final.
- Track cycling (1): Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang in the keirin.
- Esports (1): Taj Izrin Aiman in Gran Turismo 7.
Thailand still set the standard
Thailand's 18 golds were twice Malaysia's total. Puripol Boonson won the 100m and 200m sprint double, and Thailand beat Malaysia in the sepak takraw regu final, 15-9, 15-8.
Why the NSC says the SEA Games will be different
Malaysia hosts the 2027 SEA Games and wants the overall title for the first time since Kuala Lumpur 2017. NSC director-general Jefri Ngadirin said the Asian Games result should not be used to predict that outcome.
"The sports that can contribute gold medals for our country at the SEA Games are also different compared to the Asiad," Jefri told Bernama. He added that national associations have been told to focus on events where they can realistically win gold.
He named sepak takraw as an example. Malaysia won the men's team regu title at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, its first since 1991, then took Asian Games gold in Nagoya. Jefri said Malaysia is now on a par with Thailand in the sport, or ahead of it.
What to watch
Thailand has an advantage in athletics and in depth across many sports. Malaysia's challenge is to make its gold-medal sports count for as much as possible at a home Games. Results over the next 12 months will show whether that is enough to finish top of the region.
Key takeaways
- Malaysia (9-7-16) was the second-best Southeast Asian nation at Aichi-Nagoya, behind Thailand (18-13-21).
- Indonesia won more medals overall (39) but finished five places lower on golds.
- Malaysia matched its Hangzhou 2022 medal total of 32 but won three more golds.
- The NSC says the 2027 SEA Games will depend on choosing events carefully, not on Asian Games form.
FAQ
Which Southeast Asian country topped the region at the 2026 Asian Games? Thailand, 7th overall with 18 gold, 13 silver and 21 bronze.
Did Malaysia win more medals than Indonesia? No. Indonesia won 39 to Malaysia's 32, but Malaysia won more golds (9 to 5) and ranked higher.
When does Malaysia host the SEA Games? In 2027. The NSC is targeting the overall title.
Sources: Bernama, RTM, Sunday Guardian, Khel Now, Viva.co.id, The Star, Malay Mail