KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — The national contingent’s achievement in clinching a total of 32 medals at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games should dispel any doubts about Malaysian sports, said the National Sports Council (MSN) and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).
In a joint statement, they said the achievement resulted from proper planning by the main stakeholders, namely the National Sports Associations (NSAs), MSN, the OCM, and the National Sports Institute (NSI).
Credit, however, should be given to the national athletes who spent time and energy preparing for the quadrennial Games while guided by their coach and family members as well as the existing support system.
“Exaggerated statements can be defined as not acknowledging the sacrifices of the national athletes and coaches who travel far and wide without care for day or time, leaving their families behind.
“Surely, this success should be shared with all interested parties without the need to brag,” said MSN and the OCM.
The Malaysian contingent to the Hangzhou Asiad surpassed the 27-medal target when they returned home with six golds, eight silvers and 18 bronzes for a total of 32 medals.
They added the athlete preparation programmes for the Hangzhou Asiad began in 2020 through the Asiacomm project.
Various workshops involving NSAs, national coaches and representatives from MSN, the OCM, and the NSI were held to plan the implementation of the programmes, including carrying out proper monitoring with the main stakeholders.
“119 ‘exposure’ tournaments and 41 ‘exposure’ training sessions were held this year alone for the Hangzhou Asiad-bound athletes,” MSN and the OCM said.
Meanwhile, both thanked the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) for highlighting the success of its athletes at the Hangzhou Asiad and hoped the collaboration could also be extended to providing educational opportunities for national athletes.
“KPT representatives are also invited to share their vision and mission each time the OCM Executive Board meets to draft policies involving development and participation in international multi-sport Games,” they said.
MSN and OCM also expressed their disappointment with certain parties praising the medal contribution of athletes from institutions of higher learning (IPTs) to the Malaysian contingent in the Hangzhou Asiad, which ended on October 8.
Athletes from IPTs contributed 17 out of the 32 medals, including three golds, Malaysia won at the Hangzhou Asiad.
— Bernama
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