KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (NNN-Bernama) – The country’s athletes, who are eager to excel at the Tokyo Olympics, are now entering the crucial 30-day phase before the world’s biggest games.
Twenty-three Malaysian athletes have confirmed their places at the world’s biggest sporting event, while several others are still awaiting confirmation from their respective international sports associations when the qualifying period ends soon.
The 30-day period ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled from July 23 to August 8, should be used well by the athletes to ensure that they can perform at their best as well as avoid the risk of injuries that could jeopardise their dreams of competing in the Olympics.
The Olympics this time is also very different because it is being held in a situation where the COVID-19 pandemic has not subsided with most countries including Malaysia still struggling to curb the spread of the virus, even though the games were postponed for a year.
The athletes and officials involved will have to undergo daily swab tests, no freedom of movement, less opportunity to socialise with other athletes as well as no direct interaction with the public, a very awkward atmosphere when compared to previous editions.
The athletes also had to go through a period of hard training and competition in quarantine for more than a year, which also risks affecting their emotions and mental state.
What is important, however, is the safety and health of the approximately 11,000 high-performing athletes from around the world who will be present with the dream of making history in competing on the Olympic stage.
For Olympic Council of Malaysia (MOC) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, only athletes who show the character and personality of a champion in overcoming this extraordinary challenge, will have success in Tokyo.
“I understand the athletes are excited and eager to go to the Olympics, but I want them to stay focused in the last few weeks. It is very important for them to be mentally and physically ready to go to Tokyo.
“The most important thing is to make sure they are free from injuries. Take care of yourself and your health. Secondly, don’t be influenced by rumours and speculation about the Games, now is the time to achieve your dreams, ” he told Bernama.
“Work related to administration, leave it to us. We will make sure your journey goes smoothly and your welfare is taken care of. I want to remind everyone, the Olympics this time is not easy, five years waiting after Rio 2016, ” added.
He also advised the athletes to be prepared to face all challenges and hurdles that may come their way to ensure that the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) flies majestically on the Olympic stage, with Malaysia’s first gold mission still remaining.
So far, badminton remains the biggest squad with men’s singles Lee Zii Jia, women’s singles Soniia Cheah, men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, women’s doubles Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean and mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying having qualified.
They are joined by Khairul Anuar Mohamad (archery), Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom (track cycling), Nur Dhabitah Sabri, Ng Yan Yee, Pandelela Rinong, Leong Mun Yee (diving), Farah Ann Abdul Hadi (artistic gymnastics) and four sailing athletes – Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy, Nur Shazrin Mohd Latif, Nuraisyah Jamil and Juni Karimah Noor Jamali.
The latest, two professional golfers Gavin Kyle Green and Kelly Tan were confirmed eligible yesterday, while Welson Sim, Phee Jinq En (swimming); Cheong Jun Hoong (diving); Lee Hup Wei, Nauraj Singh Randhawa (high jump) and Jeremiah Loo Phay Xing (artistic gymnastics) also have the opportunity to compete in the Tokyo Games.
–NNN-BERNAMA