KUALA LUMPUR – Paris Olympic-bound athlete Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri will not be included in the Olympic top-up programme, Road to Gold (RTG), programme coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam confirmed.
However, speaking to Scoop, he said this decision is not expected to significantly impact the 20-year-old national track cyclist.
Despite not being part of RTG, Izzah has received support comparable to that of Malaysia’s cycling champions Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and Shah Firdaus Sahrom who are RTG athletes.
Among the benefits she has enjoyed include receiving the advanced WX-R Vorteq bike, a high-tech skin suit, and sports science assistance.
The difference is that Izzah will not receive the additional RM3,000 monthly allowance given to RTG athletes.
Nonetheless, she still receives allowances under the National Sports Council’s Podium Programme.
“For Izzah, support extended to Datuk Azizul and Shah Firdaus indirectly benefits her, making her a recipient of secondary support,” Stuart said.
“She has received all necessary assistance for the Paris Olympics through her seniors, although not directly.”
Previously, there was a proposal to include Izzah in the fast track programme under RTG, aimed at nurturing young athletes with the potential to win gold at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
However, with just 50 days left until the Paris Olympics, the RTG committee is focused on assisting eligible athletes for Paris.
New athlete listings for RTG will be considered after the Paris Olympics.
Currently, six athletes are listed in the fast track programme including squash players Ng Eain Yow, S. Sivasangari, Aifa Azman, and Aira Azman, as well as divers Bertrand Rhodict Lises and Enrique Maccartney Harold.
“After the Paris Olympics, we will discuss and determine the next batch of RTG athletes for Los Angeles 2028.
“There has been no announcement regarding specific athletes for Los Angeles 2028 yet, only the fast track programme involving athletes with the potential to qualify.
“After Paris, we will establish new criteria and a new list,” Stuart added. – June 11, 2024