KUALA LUMPUR – It is a big boost for professional athletes who have qualified for this month’s Paris Olympics as the Youth and Sports Ministry disbursed financial support of RM300,000.
These athletes include men’s singles, Lee Zii Jia, women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei, and two golfers, Gavin Kyle Green and Ashley Lau, who received a total grant of RM300,000 distributed through the National Sports Council (NSC).
The aid was provided to these athletes because they operate professionally and are not listed in any national sports programs such as Road to Gold or Podium.
Therefore, the Sports Ministry hopes that through this grant, it will help alleviate the financial burden on the country’s professional athletes to participate in various qualifying tournaments, training camps, sparring partners, and support services to ensure their preparation and training are optimal.
“This is our commitment to assist every athlete carrying the Malaysian flag, ensuring they receive services not only from the National Sport Institute (NSI) team but also financial aid from the government.
“We want our athletes to know they are going with full government support and the entire nation,” said Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
A total of 25 athletes from 10 sports will strengthen Malaysia’s contingent at this year’s Paris Olympics.
Malaysia holds high hopes of ending a 68-year quest for a gold medal at the world’s biggest sporting event. – July 4, 2024