KUALA LUMPUR, 5 June 2018:
The National Sports Council (NSC) and the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) will take a conservative approach in the selection of athletes to the Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang from Aug 18 to Sept 2, learning from the shortcomings faced by the national contingent at the Commonwealth Games last April.
NSC director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail yesterday said the council had proposed OCM raise the bar for athletes to qualify to the Asian Games – by being ranked among the top four in Asia, compared to top six previously.
He said if any of the sporting associations successfully proved their athletes were ranked in the top four and had the potential to win medals, they would be considered being placed in category A.
Category A athletes are those who will be fully sponsored – while for category B participation, the association will have to bear the cost up front, and it will be reimbursed if the athlete wins at least a bronze medal.
“So, this is one of the ways of enhancing the capability and seriousness of the respective associations… rather than just being given the chance to go to the Asian Games. Without any effort, it is meaningless,” he said after attending the final selection committee meeting for 18th Asian Games with the OCM here.
OCM president Datuk Seri Mohammad Norza Zakaria also shared a similar opinion, saying the number of athletes representing the country to the Asian Games should be more realistic.
“We feel that we have to be realistic in this situation, and to put forward a contingent that is based more on the quality rather than quantity, as we want to raise the standard.
Norza said he was aware there were some sports associations that were unhappy with OCM’s decision at yesterday’s meeting, but it had to be done due to certain constraints.
“Yes, there will be dissatisfaction, but we think that we have made it clear to them (sports associations) of the constraints we are facing now.
“Of course if we get more money…we will consider taking those unqualified athletes to the Asian Games.”
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has yet to decide on the total number of players who will represent the country at the Asian Games – as there are several players who will be placed in category B.
Secretary-general Datuk Ng Chin Chai said: “BAM had earlier requested for 20 players comprising 10 men and 10 women to be listed for the Asian Games, but limited to only 14 players – 10 men and four women – in category A.
“If we want to send players for the team events, women’s singles and women’s doubles, they can join under category B.”
Ng said any decision over the matter would only be made after a meeting was held.
Ng also said BAM had not received any update from the World Badminton Federation on the appeal of former professional player, Zulfadli Zulkiffli over an alleged match-fixing scandal.
– Bernama