KUALA LUMPUR – The National Sports Institute (NSI) is taking proactive measures to ensure the health and performance of Malaysian athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Its chief executive Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli announced that a contingent of 21 NSI staff, including medical and sports science professionals, would begin their journey to Paris on July 22.
This deployment will occur in phases to provide seamless support to the athletes throughout the Games.
“We are committed to ensuring that all athletes are in optimal health. Over the past month, our focus has been on monitoring and advising them to prevent unwanted injuries.
“Every member of our contingent shares this common goal, understanding the importance of their roles as they prepare to compete in Paris,” said Faedzal when met at an MCKK Premier 7s press conference today.
Previously, the Road to Gold committee – Malaysia’s Olympic Games support programme – announced the set up of Malaysia House in Paris to offer a holistic support system for Olympics-bound athletes, ensuring they have everything they need to perform at their best.
“We will send a team, including our chief medical officer and NSI staff, ahead of the main contingent to set up and understand the logistics, transportation and medical facilities provided by the host country at the Games Village.
“It’s crucial to plan meticulously and understand the processes to offer robust and detailed support to our athletes,” Faedzal added.
Malaysia has 18 athletes qualified for the Paris Olympics, showcasing talent across various disciplines.
Diver Bertrand Rhodict Lises will compete in the men’s 10m platform, while Mohamad Aniq Kasdan will make his debut in the 61kg weightlifting category at just 22-years-old.
Eight badminton players have also qualified, including men’s singles Lee Zii Jia and women’s singles Goh Jin Wei.
In the doubles events, Malaysia will be represented by men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, as well as mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei.
Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir will compete in the road race, marking her Olympic debut in cycling.
The track cycling events will feature veteran Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati, who will compete in keirin and sprint events.
Recurve archer Ariana Nur Dania Mohamad Zairi has also secured her spot, and shooter Johnathan Wong will represent Malaysia in the air pistol event.
Additionally, four-time Olympian Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy will compete in sailing, alongside Nur Shazrin Mohamad Latif in the Laser Radial event. – June 11, 2024