Sports & Fitness

Ramadan will not affect athletes’ preparation for SEA Games: chef de mission

Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali says one-year gap advantageous in sustaining athletes’ momentum

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 14 Mar 2023 9:43PM

Ramadan will not affect athletes’ preparation for SEA Games: chef de mission
Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali (centre) notes that this year’s SEA Games are considered to have an advantage to the athletes who competed in the previous edition that was also held in May. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 14, 2023

by Julie Jalaluddin

KUALA LUMPUR – With Ramadan set to begin next week, Malaysia’s chef de mission (CDM) Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali is confident preparations for the Cambodia 32nd SEA Games would not be affected.

Despite the biennial multi-sport event being held on May 5-17, Nasir assured that it will not disturb the athletes’ training programme throughout the fasting month slated to start on March 23.

“We are thrilled to see these athletes so committed to their training. Overall, we are satisfied to see their preparation for SEA Games going well, based on reports I received from each sports official.

While there are some constraints in terms of the training programme and schedule, the coaches are ready to make some adjustments, says Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 14, 2023
While there are some constraints in terms of the training programme and schedule, the coaches are ready to make some adjustments, says Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 14, 2023

“I realise we have fewer than 10 days to go before the fasting month…there are indeed some constraints in terms of the training programme and schedule, but the coaches are ready to make some adjustments,” he said.

Nasir was met when visiting gymnastics, taekwondo, wushu, and sepak takraw teams at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil today, accompanied by his deputies Datuk Shalin Zulkifli and Sharon Wee.

He also noted that this year’s SEA Games are considered to have an advantage to the athletes who competed in the previous edition that was also held in May.

At the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi last year, Malaysia finished sixth with 39 gold, 45 silver, and 90 bronze medals, surpassing the target of 36-35-75. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 14, 2023
At the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi last year, Malaysia finished sixth with 39 gold, 45 silver, and 90 bronze medals, surpassing the target of 36-35-75. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, March 14, 2023

“I see it as a good thing. Even though the Hanoi SEA Games was only a year away from this edition, I believe that our athletes will sustain their competitive momentum. 

“They just need to plan their training properly so they could peak at the right time. I do not see this as a disadvantage, but more of an advantage.

“The new athletes would need to adapt,” he added.

At the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi last year, Malaysia finished sixth with 39 gold, 45 silver, and 90 bronze medals, surpassing the target of 36-35-75. – The Vibes, March 14, 2023

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