KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Paralympic contingent is in excellent shape to pursue its goal of four gold medals, as all previous concerns and issues at the athletes’ village have been resolved.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysia’s chef de mission Datuk R. Subramaniam, explained how the main concern about hot accommodation rooms was addressed.
The Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC) responded by providing ten portable air conditioners for athletes who needed them.
In response to the food shortages reported during the Paris Olympics, the MPC has ensured that all Malaysian athletes and officials have been well-fed since their arrival in Paris on August 24.
Subramaniam is confident that the 30 athletes are fully prepared to compete, especially as they look forward to the opening ceremony taking place tonight at around 1.30am Malaysian time.
“Starting with the food issue, we haven’t received any complaints since our arrival. I believe the organisers took this matter seriously and managed to resolve it.
“As for the air conditioning, I admit the conditions here are very hot, though sometimes cool. We initially rented 15 portable air conditioners, but the organisers were only able to provide 10.
“We distributed these to those in need. For example, Cheah Liek Hou requested one first, so we provided him with an air conditioner for his room,” said Subramaniam.
However, for tonight’s opening ceremony, the organisers have restricted participation to just 24 members of the Malaysian contingent.
Therefore, only 14 athletes and 10 officials will take part in the ceremony. World powerlifting champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin has been selected as the flag bearer for Malaysia.
Additionally, some athletes from different sports have opted out of the ceremony, as their competitions will begin tomorrow.
Among the events featuring Malaysian athletes tomorrow are Liek Hou and Muhammad Fareez Annuar (badminton), Mohamad Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin (track cycling), Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli (swimming), S. Suresh and Nor Jannaton Abdul Jalil (archery).
“We do not want to burden our athletes with disabilities, such as those using wheelchairs. We will strive to minimise their movement as they need to parade along the Champs-Élysées.
“We will be wearing the same attire used by the Malaysian contingent at the Paris Olympics, designed by Rizman Ruzaini,” he added. – August 28, 2024
