KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has praised the hard work and performances of the Malaysian athletes at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia, especially the debutants.
Yeoh was thrilled that at this year’s SEA Games, there were many first-timers who excelled beyond expectations for the country.
“We have many young athletes who are making their first appearance at the SEA Games, and they are not only performing well but also winning gold medals.
“We are very happy and will look into the data gathered on the reasons behind their performance and achievements at the Games.
“We want to study what the factors are that led to their amazing performances. Is it because of the coaches, or is it because the athlete is training abroad?
“We will go through the data and figure out whether the athlete or the sport deserves more funding,” she said.
Silat exponent Nor Syakirah Muksin, sprinter Umar Osman, Wushu athlete Tan Cheong Min, and windsurfers Muhammad Hafizin Mansor and Izry Hafiezy Fitry are among those who made their golden debuts in Phnom Penh.
Meanwhile, Hannah also commented on the seniors who failed to achieve their target of winning gold.
“That is the nature of competitions, where you win and lose some.
“But in defeat, we have to identify the factors that led to the athlete’s failure so we can address them and mitigate the risk of losing in the future.
“As of yesterday, we have won 21 gold medals, and we are halfway through the SEA Games.
“I am very hopeful that we can achieve our target of 40 gold medals,” she said when met after helping launch the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative’s Gamechangers Regional Workshop here today.
Also present at the event was the United States ambassador to Malaysia Brian D. McFeeters.
The event convenes game designers representing 11 Southeast Asian nations for a workshop on how to design games that address social issues. – The Vibes, May 11, 2023
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