PUTRAJAYA – National squash legend Datuk Nicol Ann David calls on all Malaysians to wholeheartedly support the Malaysian contingent competing in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games starting on July 26, and to leave behind any past controversies.
As the Deputy Chef de Mission, Nicol believes that her colleague Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has done a great job as the head of the national contingent.
It has been a rocky few weeks for Hamidin as he has been embroiled in a few controversies while the Malaysian contingent prepares for the world’s biggest sporting event in Paris.
It started with the official attire of the Malaysian contingent, which received severe criticism from the Malaysian public, forcing the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) to redesign the clothing.
The following day, Hamidin made headlines again when he drew the ire of Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is also the patron of Selangor FC.
This came about due to his position as the president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), where he was perceived not to have taken a serious stance regarding the attack on Selangor FC striker Faisal Halim, who was assaulted with acid on May 5.
There was also an excessive penalty imposed on Selangor FC by the Malaysia Football League (MFL).
Not long after, Hamidin found himself in another controversy when OCM’s collaboration with the sport shoe company Skechers sparked criticism from Malaysians due to Skechers’ support for Israel.
However, Nicol feels that since Hamidin was appointed Chef de Mission in March last year, he has significantly facilitated the movement of the contingent, as well as resolving issues and dilemmas faced by athletes preparing for Paris.
“I believe he’s led the team well as Chef de Mission, and Datuk Hamidin is a true supporter of the team.
“I mean, everything happens and that’s in the past. But right now we want to focus on the games. Everyone’s ready and raring to go. We are all geared up, set and strong.
“Our sponsors are in. They are also very happy that they can suit our athletes well. And now we just have to move forward,” said Nicol after Heriot-Watt University’s graduation ceremony at Putrajaya today.
At the same time, Nicol expressed excitement at finally having the opportunity to set foot at the Olympics after longing for it for so long during her career as an athlete.
For the record, squash will only be part of the Olympic Games starting from Los Angeles 2028.
“I’ve never been to the Olympic Games, but right now being a Deputy Chef de Mission is such a thrill to lead a team, to be there for our country, to represent on such another scale.
“So for me I’m so looking forward to being there with our countrymen and women that will do their best in their own right and in their own sport,” she added. – July 14, 2024