KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 — The National Sports Council (NSC) will bear all additional costs involved in relocating Malaysia’s 33rd SEA Games contingent from the flood-hit southern Thai province of Songkhla to Bangkok and Chonburi.
It said approval to cover the additional costs, estimated at over RM500,000, was agreed upon at the NSC Management Board meeting chaired by the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh yesterday.
“The decision aims to ensure all national athletes from 10 sports, be they from Category A or B, are not affected by concerns that could disrupt their focus and performance due to unforeseen incidents such as those currently experienced.
“The approval to cover the additional costs will hopefully serve as a morale booster and ignite the athletes’ determination to fight to bring home medals for the country,” the NSC said in a statement today.
Category A refers to athletes who meet the qualifying standards and are fully funded by the NSC, while Category B athletes are those who didn’t meet the qualifying standards but were selected by the NSC. Category B athletes are self-funded or sponsored, with costs reimbursed by the Olympic Council Malaysia if they win at least a silver medal.
The NSC also said the decision is in line with the concerns expressed by the Madani Government about the fate of 206 Malaysian athletes and officials, who are facing difficulties after being forced to relocate just days before the 33rd SEA Games start on December 9.
“The national athletes in Songkhla were previously scheduled to compete in muay thai, pencak silat, men’s football, chess, judo, kabaddi, karate, petanque, wushu and wrestling.
“Nine of the sports will now be held in Bangkok, with wrestling (to be held) in Chonburi,” the NSC said.
