KUALA LUMPUR – Despite significant funding and initiatives from various stakeholders and sports custodians, the Malaysian contingent managed only two bronze medals at the recent Paris Olympics.
Some corporate figures had also pledged additional incentives and bonuses for athletes who won gold. However, they would not have to fulfil the pledges now.
With the Paris Paralympics just around the corner, set to take place from August 28 to September 8, local sports analyst Sadek Mustafa is keen to know whether the same level of support will be extended to the Paralympians, whom he expects to outperform their able-bodied counterparts.
Speaking to Scoop, Sadek, known for his vocal remarks, said: “I am very confident our Paralympians won’t disappoint even though they don’t have a dedicated elite programme like Road to Gold.
“They have already contributed six gold medals so far yet we hardly see the important people telling their stories or on the ground following their preparations.
“These are the same people who will appear for a photo op when the athletes win a medal.
“I want to know if our Paralympians can also pocket up to RM7 million if they win gold in Paris.”
Sadek further emphasised that it is high time Paralympians received equal attention and benefits from the government and their respective national sports associations.
“The Paralympians have proven they can deliver even when they don’t get the same treatment.
“Yes, at the elite level, they receive funding and support, but what about the grassroots?
“For example, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) gives each state RM300,000 a year for development. Does BAM also allocate the same amount for para-athletes’ development?” added Sadek, a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara.
Malaysia made their Paralympics debut at the 1972 Heidelberg Games. They were absent for the next three editions but returned at the 1988 Games in Seoul.
Since then, Malaysia have won a total of 16 medals: six gold, four silver, and six bronze.
This year, Malaysia will be represented by 29 athletes. This includes two-time gold medallist Datuk Abdul Latif Romly (men’s long jump T20), 2016 Rio gold medallist Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli (men’s shot put F20), as well as 2020 Tokyo Games gold medallists Cheah Liek Hou (badminton men’s singles SU5) and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (men’s 72kg powerlifting). – August 17, 2024