KUALA LUMPUR – National sprinter Shereen Samson Vallabouy received the biggest financial boost from the Youth and Sports Ministry through the National Sports Council (NSC) totalling RM400,000.
Minister Hannah Yeoh said the funds will cover Shereen’s training programme in the United States including accommodation, coaching, meal allowances, supplements, and tournament-related expenses, among others.
“We believe that this support could help our athlete who has proven herself at the SEA Games. It is also part of our commitment to empower women in sports.
“However, not everyone who wins a medal will get funded, because we also need to see what their ranking is in their respective sports and whether the help given can help them succeed to the next level.
“As for Shereen, we hope this funding could help her win a gold medal at the Asian Games,” Hannah said when met at a press conference at the Parliament here, today.
At the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia recently, 25-year-old Shereen clinched a gold medal in the women’s 400m by clocking 53.53s, which was last won in 1999 by N. Manimagalay.
The Winona State University student also made headlines following her achievement in the women’s 400m category in California last month for breaking the late Rabia Abdul Salam’s 30-year-old national record of 52.56s, by clocking 51.80s, at the St Mac Relays Invitational Elite competition in California.
Meanwhile, Hannah said the NSC will hold a discussion with men’s national 400m record-holder Umar Osman to identify the form of aid he needs ahead of the Asian Games which will be held from September 23 to October 8, 2023 in Hangzhou, China. – The Vibes, May 23, 2023
