KUALA LUMPUR – With over a month to go before the Paris Olympics kicks off on July 26, the Malaysian contingent has yet to set their medal target.
Despite the launch of the Road to Gold (RTG) programme in March of last year, it is yet to be decided how and when the medal targets will be set.
The RTG programme was initiated to provide Malaysia’s 2024 and 2028 Olympic-bound athletes with the best support possible to win medals at the highest level, with the endgame being to secure the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.
Since its debut at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Malaysia has won eight silver and five bronze medals.
During last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games, the Malaysian contingent adopted a medal target approach recommended by the Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), which did not differentiate between the types of the medals.
As a result, Malaysia set a target of 27 medals but exceeded expectations by clinching 32 of them, comprising six golds, eight silvers, and 18 bronzes.
Olympics Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria has clarified that they are still deliberating on the most effective approach before announcing the medal targets for the national contingent.
While national track cycling champion Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and national men’s singles badminton player Lee Zii Jia have openly voiced their aspirations for gold in Paris, several factors need consideration.
One crucial aspect involves convening discussions on medal targets among the OCM, the National Sports Council (NSC), and the Youth and Sports Ministry to ensure alignment with the RTG programme.
While the clock is ticking, Norza said their primary focus at present is to mitigate any undue pressure on the national athletes who are deemed potential medal contenders in Paris.
“I have yet to discuss this matter (medal targets) with YB (Hannah). Naturally, we will deliberate on the best course of action as we want to ensure our athletes do not feel overwhelmed.
“As I always emphasise, every athlete’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympics. Our current objective is to provide them with the necessary support.
“I always say, for most athletes, their dream or aspiration is to go to the Olympics. They’ve been striving for four years to reach that level. Now, the last mile or final step is for us to provide them with the strongest support possible.
“For example, at BAM today, we will have a meeting with our Olympic athletes to see their latest progress.
“Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, discussions between OCM, NSC, and KBS should be held. And after we discuss, we will update and inform the media about the progress,” said Norza. – June 11, 2024