Athletes, officials told not to harp on money issue
just a week to go before the Indonesia Asian Games, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president, Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria has warned all parties (athletes and national sports associations) not to make a big financial issue of their participation.
Following several reports on who should bear the costs for athletes listed under Category B (those who did not qualify on merit), Norza stressed that time is running out, and everyone should start working together instead.
“Looking at what Datuk Ahmad Shapawi (Ismail) said (on Wednesday), it is time for everyone to get the right compromise. This shouldn't be an issue in the first place.
“There are several associations that have met us (OCM), pleading for their athletes to be sent to the Games at their expenses, and then there are athletes who claim to have their own funding.
“Everyone needs to work together. This is not the time to be finger pointing or even polemicising this issue.
“At the end of the day, we want our athletes to produce and give their best at the Asian Games, regardless of whether they are listed under Category A or B.”
Athletes under Category A are those who have qualified for the Asiad on merit where their expenses are fully paid by OCM. Athletes who go under Category B are whose who did not meet the qualifiyng mark but will be reimbursed by OCM if they win a medal.
“Seriously, there are other pressing issues like security and athletes' discipline at the Games that need to be looked into.
“Let's focus on our priorities, and get everyone who deserves to be at the Games there.” said Norza.