KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — A cash incentive of RM60,000 awaits local athletes who bring home gold from the Paris Paralympics.
Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC) President Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin said the incentive was a pledge from three companies to boost the motivation of the country’s athletes to hunt for gold in Paris.
“Every company will offer incentives of RM20,000 for gold, RM10,000 for a silver medal and RM5,000 for bronze medal winners.
“This reward is in addition to incentives under Shakam (Sports Victory Prize Scheme) and there will be our sponsors who will announce rewards if they achieve success in Paris later,” he told reporters at the final phase training camp of the national contingent to the Paris Paralympics here today.
Under Shakam, Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists receive a remuneration of RM1 million, silver medallists receive RM300,000, and bronze medallists RM100,000, plus additional perks if they break the Games or world records.
Megat D. Shahriman said MPC is also discussing with a company that might be able to offer a car to the gold medal winner at the 2024 Paralympics. He said, the MPC is always responsible to ensure athletes can achieve success for the country at the Paralympics and see that public funds invested are really worth it.
“If no success, it would be wiser for the money to be used for building schools or hospitals, I don’t want to waste people’s money and because of that, I feel some netizens feel sensitive since they are taxpayers.
“Public funds should be used as best as possible, accountability is not only on us but we apply it to the athletes. It’s not about holidays, and it’s not even a small competition but this is Paris 2024, so prove yourself,” he said.
Meanwhile, Megat D. Shahriman expects surprises may occur in some events after taking into account the solid preparations that athletes undergo before Paris 2024.
Malaysia is sending 30 athletes from eight sports to the Paris Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8.
— Bernama
