KUALA LUMPUR − The programmes currently followed by Malaysia’s sensational young ice skater C. Sree Abiraame in Latvia is the athlete’s own initiative, according to the Ice Skating Association of Malaysia (ISAM).
ISAM president Mohamad Fadzli Johan said ISAM would not stop any of its ice skaters, who wished to proceed individually if they were able to do so, and that the association would always support the effort.
He said the programmes followed by nine-year-old Sree was within her rights and would not pose a burden to ISAM, the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) or the National Sports Council (MSN) until she is chosen to represent the country.
“As far as ISAM can help, it is fair assistance and support to all parties and not just (about) one or two individuals being prioritised.
“Not only is Sree on her own but there are several others in and outside the country, such as Abigail Liew in the United Kingdom, Sunita Dass (USA) and Ean W (Switzerland), who are able to continue private training programmes and receive ISAM support,” he said in a statement today.
Fadzli commented in response to a report by a portal, which claimed that the government seemed to be “silent” and did not appreciate Sree’s success in competitions in Europe, including winning the Tallinn Trophy 2021 in Estonia recently, and had not received proper assistance from KBS.
According to Fadzli, the article is inaccurate and not based on information pertaining to the current situation.
He said ISAM and MSN as stakeholders in ice skating often discussed ways to develop the sport, which included all races in “Keluarga Malaysia” (the Malaysian Family) and are in the process of drafting a strategic plan to help all skaters without any element of favouritism.
This, he said, includes a five-year plan to prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, by bringing in the expertise of coaches from abroad, who will be managed by MSN, to ensure the survival and sustainability of the sport as well as to strive and produce the country’s first Olympic gold medal.
“Young athletes such as Sree, Chole Ng, Myra (Wan Myra Arissa Wan Muhammad Fahmi), Maxime Chun, Adam Azlan and many more will be the basis for success and development of the sport of ice skating,” he said.
He said all parties should be aware that athletes in Malaysia are fortunate because the country’s sports stakeholders − through the aspirations of KBS, MSN, the National Sports Institute, sports associations and the Olympic Council of Malaysia − have a vision and mission to develop this sport.
The situation, he said, was very different in western countries. Apart from not receiving any remuneration − unlike what is being offered here by MSN – athletes from these nations have to be independent to qualify on merit. – Bernama, December 1, 2021
