Incentives to pump up Paralympians
Sports Ministry expect the national contingent to at least equal their three-gold haul from the Rio edition at the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug 24-Sept 5.
Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican is banking on four sports to deliver the goods in Japan this year.
“This will be our 10th appearance at the Paralympics, and a total of 22 athletes will be representing the country this year,” said Reezal.
“In total, we have won 11 medals so far (in Paralympics history), with seven coming from athletics and four from powerlifting.
“This year, however, badminton will be part of the Paralympics, and we have players such as World No 2 Cheah Liek Hou and seventh-ranked Didin Taresoh.
“Realistically, after taking into consideration all factors, we have set a three-gold target to equal our Rio haul.
“We are expecting our para-athletes from athletics, powerlifting, badminton and archery to do well.”
In addition to the two parashuttlers, sprinter Ridzuan Puzi, long jumper Abdul Latif Romly and shot putter Ziyad Zolkefli, who all won gold in Rio, will again be expected to deliver in Tokyo.
World record holder Bonnie Bunyau Gustin (powerlifting) and world champion archer S. Suresh are also both likely to challenge for honours.
In addition to the three gold, Malaysia also won a bronze at the Rio Paralympics through women’s long jumper Siti Noor Radiah Ismail.
Reezal added that there would be added incentives for the paraathletes to do well thanks to sponsors, FWD Takaful.
“FWD Takaful contributed RM5 million for the National Sports Council’s para development programme for 2020-21, and it includes preparations for Tokyo,” said Reezal.
“FWD is also giving an additional incentive of RM100,000, RM50,000 and RM30,000 to each gold, silver and bronze winner.
“It is on top of what the government will give via Shakam (National Sports Incentive Scheme).”
Gold medallists take home RM1 million, while silver and bronze winners receive RM300,000.