PUTRAJAYA – “We do not mix politics with sports,” said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh as she confirmed that Malaysia has taken a stance to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
This confirms The Vibes’ report yesterday that Malaysia stands firm and will not join the bandwagon to boycott the Olympics next year.
Despite calls from some 40 countries threatening to skip the biggest multisports event, Hannah assured that Malaysia is committed to giving its athletes the opportunity to showcase their years of hard work.
The countries reported to boycott the Paris Olympics include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ukraine, as well as host country France.
When asked if Malaysia has a higher chance of attaining its first and long-awaited Olympic gold medal if those countries were to proceed with the boycott, she answered: “Some things do not have to be answered. But we have already made a decision to participate in Paris.”
“I cannot comment about other countries, but I stick to what the committee has decided that we abide by the International Olympic Council charter.”
Hannah kept the message clear that Malaysia’s decision should not be influenced by the International Olympic Council’s (decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as the athletes are required to compete under a neutral flag.
“We do not mix politics with sports.
“When we send our athletes, they are going to give their best. If they have given their best, they deserve to win that medal,” she added when met during a press conference at Menara KBS here, today.
She said the decision was made following the Road to Gold (RTG) committee’s first official meeting yesterday.
The RTG project was launched on March 12 to coordinate the country’s efforts in its quest to bag Malaysia’s first Olympic gold medal.
Its framework covers Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. – The Vibes, April 7, 2023
