KUALA LUMPUR – The first Malaysian gold medalist at the Paris Olympics will receive not only a cash prize but also a luxurious condominium as a prestigious reward.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh announced this during a press conference at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil today.
This initiative was spearheaded by Top Glove’s founder and executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai, who is eager to contribute to Malaysia’s mission to end its 68-year wait for an Olympic gold medal.
The luxurious condominium, located in the exclusive area of Setia Alam, comprises only 69 units, with only selected buyers having the privilege to purchase these units to maintain its exclusivity.
As co-chair of the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, Hannah expressed her delight, stating that these rewards would boost the Malaysian contingent’s motivation as they approach the Paris Olympics, now less than 10 days away.
“I believe we are providing a platform for the private sector to play a role in rewarding our athletes. Winning an Olympic gold would be a source of pride for Malaysia if our athletes are successful.
“In the realm of sports, we aim to encourage both the private sector and Malaysians to participate because the government alone cannot achieve this.
“When it comes to sponsorship, NSC has engaged with numerous sponsors because we view sports as a unifying tool for everyone.
“The government has always offered National Sports Incentives Scheme (SHAKAM), a cash reward for every athlete. Now, through Road to Gold, we are providing a platform for others to honour and support our athletes,” said Hannah.
In addition, national shuttlers Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, and Chen Tang Jie have been offered a RM1 million reward by electronics company Seng Heng, if they bring home a gold medal.
These badminton players are offered such rewards as they are part of the SS Junior Talent Programme launched by the company in 2012.
These rewards are in addition to the existing incentives offered by the Malaysian government through SHAKAM, which provides RM1 million to the country’s first gold medal winner.
Previously, China’s automotive brand Chery announced rewards including a Tiggo 8 Pro for gold medalists, an Omoda E5 electric SUV for silver medalists, and a Tiggo 7 Pro for bronze medalists.
The Malaysian contingent for the Paris Olympics is bolstered by 26 athletes across 10 sports.
Besides Aaron and Wooi Yik, Malaysia’s men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia and track cycling star Datuk Azizuhasni Awang have openly declared their ambitions to clinch gold at the event.
Since debuting at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Malaysia have yet to claim a gold medal.
The country’s best performance was at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where Malaysia secured four silver medals and a bronze. – July 16, 2024