KUALA LUMPUR – The Road to Gold (RTG) programme committee is poised to address the needs of national weightlifter Mohamad Aniq Kasdan as he gears up for the Paris Olympics in July.
Speaking to Scoop, RTG programme coordinator Datuk Stuart Ramalingam explained that the committee had maintained constant communication with Aniq to understand his requirements since he became part of the programme in November 2023.
Established in March last year, the RTG programme aims to support Malaysia’s elite athletes who have the potential to win the country’s first Olympic gold medal.
Aniq, aged 21, secured his spot at the world’s biggest sporting event by finishing eighth in the men’s 61kg at the IWF World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand, yesterday.
Despite Aniq’s accomplishment marking the end of an eight-year hiatus for Malaysia in Olympic weightlifting since Hafifi Mansor’s participation at Rio 2016, Aniq still seeks to assemble a comprehensive support team.
He is specifically looking for professionals in nutrition, massage therapy and mental coaching to elevate his performance in Paris.
“Now that Aniq has secured his place for Paris, he and his coaching team can request whatever resources he needs from the RTG to enhance his performance, and we will try to fulfil them.
“I think everything can be discussed, and if he applies to us sooner, we will try to fulfil his request promptly,” said Stuart.
Stuart further explained that the status of athletes in RTG who did not qualify for the Paris Games would be addressed during a meeting with all committee members next week.
“At present, discussions are underway, and an announcement regarding the qualification status of athletes for the Paris Olympic Games will be made shortly.
“While I cannot provide a specific date, it is anticipated to occur next week,” he added. – April 4, 2024