PUTTING OUR ATHLETES ON WORLD MAP
Norza replies to critics of Podium Programme
OLYMPIC Council of Malaysia (OCM) deputy president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria felt it is premature to decide on the future of the National Podium Programme following the country’s results at the just concluded Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
The Podium Programme has come under criticism after Malaysia finished 12th overall, winning seven gold medals, just one more than Malaysia’s previous outing, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland.
Norza, who arrived at KLIA2 yesterday, along with the last batch of the Malaysian contingent, said: “We are now going through a transition process, and I think we need to respect that.
“The new (Sports) Minister will have to decide on what happens next.
“I think the Podium Programme is crucial for Malaysia to be on the world map, so let us not forget everything that YB Khairy Jamaluddin (caretaker Sports Minister) has done up to date.
“Of course we have to continuously improve. What’s more important now is the Asian Games in August and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Whoever that is going to lead the Podium Programme must look into this.”
Currently, the Podium Programme is spearheaded by director Tim Newenham from Australia.
Norza, who is also the BA of Malaysia (BAM) president, conceded that Malaysia overestimated their strength, when they targeted three gold medals for badminton.
The national squad failed to equal their previous Commonwealth Games achievement when they only won two gold medals, one silver and two bronze in Gold Coast.
One of Malaysia's biggest setbacks was failing to retain the mixed team gold medal, when they lost 3-1 to India in the final.
“Firstly, allow me to say the team, under tremendous pressure to deliver, did reasonably well. However, we overestimated our strength when we targeted three gold medals.
“The rise of India as a new force in badminton should not be taken lightly. They proved that in table tennis as well.
“I have always stressed on having a robust system, as we cannot be over relying on our Olympians (Lee Chong Wei, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Chan Peng SoonGoh Liu Ying).
“If we are struggling at the Commonwealth Games, how are we to do well in the Thomas Cup and Asian Games, when there are stronger teams in the fray?”
Malaysia’s two gold medals in badminton came through Chong Wei in the men’s singles and scratch women’s doubles Vivian Hoo-Chow Mei Kuan.
Meanwhile OCM president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar said the critics should not look down on the Malaysian contingent.
He feels that the national athletes are still capable of doing well in the Asian Games.
“I believe our athletes will deliver, do not look down on them,” said Tunku Imran, who pointed out that Malaysia surprisingly won 145 gold at last year’s KL Sea Games after setting an initial target of 111 gold.