Asian Games chef de mission warns athletes of discipline
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s chef de mission to the JakartaPalembang 2018 Asian Games, Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi has given a stern warning to athletes to comply with the ‘curfew’ order during the Aug 18Sept 2 meet.
He said his side would not hesitate to immediately expel any athlete from the national contingent found going out at night without permission.
“We have t old the team managers...they (athletes) will be sent packing home immediately, first flight. Team managers are responsible for ensuring discipline of athletes under their care.
“We will also have other officials who will oversee the national athletes,” he said when asked to comment on the risk of athletes losing their focus while at the Games after the first Asian Games team management meeting at Wisma OCM yesterday.
Asked on plans to prevent national athletes from being at risk of food poisoning, Abdul Azim, who is National Sports Institute ( ISN) chairman, said necessary steps would be taken to address the problem.
“For now, we have no plans to bring our own cooks. It’s too early to decide on that,” he said.
Abdul Azim said among the matters discussed at the meeting were duties and roles of team managers, information on game venues and facilities as well as traffic congestion in Jakarta.
“We will also hold a seminar on anti- doping on March 7 in collaboration with ISN and the Malaysian Anti-Doping Agency (Adamas) to educate and create awareness to athletes,” he said, adding that it was important due to numerous cases reported of athletes involving in sibutramine, a substance used for weight loss. — Bernama