Sports & Fitness

National athletes training overseas will still get govt support: Hannah

Backing from public, nation crucial to their progress, says youth and sports minister

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 28 Feb 2023 3:48PM

National athletes training overseas will still get govt support: Hannah
Hannah Yeoh (pic) says that simple programmes like golf clinics will allow athletes like Kelly Tan to know that the government and public are supporting her. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes file pic, February 28, 2023

by Saktesh Subramaniam

KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has given her assurance of a support system for national athletes training overseas.

“We want our athletes to know that we are behind them and will offer any assistance needed. They should not feel left out,” she said during the “Up Close & Personal with Kelly Tan” golf clinic at the Subang National Golf Club today. 

The programme saw 50 young golfers between the age of 12 and 19 listen to Kelly share her experience playing in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). 

Yeoh added that a simple programme like this will allow Kelly to know that the government and public are supporting her. 

“Having that kind of support is crucial because it can really matter when it is the defining moment to push you further. I know that the nation is behind you,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Kelly said that after 10 years of playing in the LPGA, she doesn’t see herself stopping anytime soon. 

“Just playing 10 years in the LPGA is an achievement on its own. I know there are bigger goals I want to achieve such as being the first Malaysian to win a LPGA tour. 

“I am currently 67 on tour, I am targeting top 30 next year. I know that if I keep putting myself in that situation, I will be more comfortable when I’m in the final group trying to clinch the title,” she said. 

Kelly said that her current aim is to make it to her third consecutive Olympics in Paris next year, adding that being married hasn’t stopped her from playing in the top flight. 

“I am aiming for the Olympics next year. I am still Kelly Tan, I still represent Malaysia, and I still play golf. 

“I don’t know when I’m going to stop playing but when the time comes, I will let you guys know,” said the 29-year-old. – The Vibes, February 28, 2023.

Related News

Entertainment / 1mth

ALIFE calls for one-stop centre to manage and market concerts

Malaysia / 1mth

Najib granted conditional pardon, to serve remainder of sentence under house arrest

Malaysia / 2mth

Hannah Yeoh, husband divorce after 18 years of marriage

Malaysia / 4mth

King calls for people-centred development in KL

Malaysia / 7mth

Hannah Yeoh: More CCTVs around KLCC to crack down on 'photo touts'

Opinion / 10mth

Noise, not reality: Why Malaysia must choose courage over cowardice

Spotlight

Malaysia

Denying young candidates opportunities risks leadership gap in future - Adam Adli

Malaysia

Na’imah’s constitutional challenge over police probe dismissed by High Court

Malaysia

AGC orders further police probe into allegations against Negeri Sembilan MB

Malaysia

PH-Bersatu rivalry puts political understanding to test in Melaka polls

Malaysia

Muhyiddin’s sedition trial dates vacated pending fresh AGC review

Malaysia

Man in his 20s killed in suspected revenge attack in Banting, three arrested

Malaysia

Prosecution to call 25 witnesses in Saravanan’s RM1.097m corruption trial

Malaysia

Malaysia on cyberattack radar, government steps up security measures

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

World

US strikes Iran’s Qeshm Island in latest limited attacks, report says