GEORGETOWN – The state government has awarded RM10,000 incentive to national badminton player Chan Peng Soon and national gymnast Jeremiah Loo Phay Xing to boost their confidence ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
The athletes were presented with a mock cheque in a virtual presentation last night.
Penang Youth and Sports exco, Soon Lip Chee said that the incentives is to give them some motivation ahead of the Games.
“I hope they can bring back the gold medal.
“We as a nation need to play our part and show our support to these athletes as I believe they have what it takes to deliver in the Olympics,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow said that the Tokyo Olympics will be different from the previous editions because of the Covid-19.
He said that there will be no supporters to cheers them on as he hope that this will not impact their performances.
“There are the best we have, thus they are representing Malaysia at the Olympics. I wish them all the best and want to give their all and make the country proud.
“Win or lose is part and parcel of the game but it is important to give the best performance out there.
At the same time, Chow added that the State Government will continue to produce more athletes and improve the sports facilities aligning with the States’ 2030 Vision.
Jeremiah will be participating in his first Olympics, and for the record he will be the second male gymnast to make take part in the Games after Ng Shu Wai, who featured at the 2004 Athens Games.
He finished 14th in the men’s all-around event at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia and sixth in the men’s pommel horse event at the 2019 Philippines SEA Games.
The Tokyo Olympics will be Peng Soon’s third outing with his long-time mixed doubles partner, Goh Liu Ying. They are ranked world number 7 and would be looking to better their 2016 Olympics, where they won the silver medal.
The Tokyo Olympics is scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8 this year. - The Vibes, July 13, 2021. – The Vibes July 13, 2021.
