Sports science specialists to oversee five Road to London sports

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Institute (NSI) have formed a dedicated support team comprising 37 sports science specialists for the five sports under the Road to London 2012 programme.

NSI director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz said the specialists will be responsible for overseeing the needs of the athletes and coaches in Malaysia’s bid to win a first Olympic gold medal.

“The team earlier comprised 51 specialists for the seven sports under the Road to London programme,” he said.

The seven sports were badminton, cycling, archery, diving, shooting, football and hockey. Football and hockey have, however, failed to qualify for the London Olympics

Thirteen specialists have been assigned to badminton due to the large pool of shuttlers frequently competing in tournaments.

Cycling and archery have six each while diving has five and shooting seven.

Dr Ramlan said the team comprises specialists in conditioning, psychology, bio-mechanics, match analysis, diet and technical support.

He said the number of specialists who will accompany the Malaysian contingent to the Olympic Games will depend on the number of athletes competing in their respective events.

He said the NSI will also set up a performance support centre outside the Games Village to cater to the needs of athletes.

“NSI plan to place four specialists in the Games Village and another eight at the performance support centre,” he said.