SERDANG – Despite being unable to bring her coach, Nova Armada, to the Paris Olympics, independent women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei will receive financial assistance to support her final preparations, just 27 days before the world’s largest sporting event begins.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirmed her commitment to easing the burden on athletes who are not part of the National Sports Council’s Podium Programme.
In addition to Jin Wei, other athletes not part of any national sports programme include individual male athlete Lee Zii Jia and golfers Gavin Green and Ashley Lau.
“Jin Wei won’t be heading to Paris without support. We will soon announce specific rulings to ensure that financial assistance reaches athletes who are not part of the Podium Programme,” Hannah assured.
“I’ll be making this announcement next week.”
The financial assistance will be allocated based on individual needs to prepare for the Paris Olympics, indirectly alleviating some of Jin Wei’s burden after she received the disappointing news that accreditation cards could not be allocated for her coach.
Currently, 25 athletes, including diving athlete Nur Dhabitah Sabri, who secured a wild card slot at the eleventh hour, will represent Malaysia at the Paris Olympics.
Ten of them are part of the Road to Gold programme, which provides additional support to athletes identified as potential gold medal prospects for Malaysia in Paris.
These athletes include Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, Shah Firdaus Sahrom (track cycling), Bertrand Rhodict Lises (diving), Aniq Kasdan (weightlifting), men’s doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, women’s doubles shuttlers Pearly Tan and M.Thinaah, and mixed doubles shuttlers Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei. – June 29, 2024