A swab -and they are off
Athletes, officials report for centralised training camp
The much-awaited return to training got off to a great start for 62 athletes and officials who checked into camp at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara and the National Sailing Centre in Langkawi. All had to undergo swab tests and will be confined to their rooms for two days before training starts in earnest. Even then, it will be a soft start before the real hard work begins.
It is all systems go at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara as shuttlers and officials reported in for the Road to Tokyo (RTT) centralised training camp.
A total of 38 people, including athletes, coaches and support staff reported in yesterday and were put through a stringent screening process before signing in.
All of them had swab tests done upon registration, and will be confined to their rooms until the test results are received on the second or third day after the test. Only then will the training start. Another swab test will be done of the fifth day for pre-symptoms and yet another on the 13th day.
The one-month quarantine-like training camp has some stringent rules, and for 30 days, athletes and officials will have to adhere to the guidelines.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican was present at the academy during the registration.
He spoke to national singles player Lee Zii Jia and coaching director Wong Choong Hann, who he said, had expressed relief at returning to training.
“There were no untoward incidences or uneasiness. The process went smoothly. Most of the athletes and coaches were happy to get back to training after the long break.
“They know the rules and they are ready to live by them,” said Reezal.
“We do not want the rules to be compromised. Any non-compliance or breach will not be tolerated. The last thing we want is a new cluster.”
Asked is there would be changes to the current SOPs, Reezal said they would only decide when the first phase of the conditional movement control order (MCO) ends on June 9.
“Maybe in some sports, especially those operating sports facilities, we are looking at introducing new SOPs that would convince the National Security Council and Health Ministry to allow a return. We are looking at gradually lifting some of the restrictions.”