NSC celebrate golden jubilee with an eye on Olympics gold

PETALING JAYA: A first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics will be a timely gift for National Sports Council (NSC) as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Yesterday, NSC took the Malaysian sports community down memory lane as they hit the 50-year mark in providing the best training, facilities, perks and support for junior and elite athletes.

Formed in 1971, NSC have grown from a small unit established to support the national athletes to a multi-million run administration that takes care of every single aspect of sports – training, coaching, education and etc.

Except for winning an Olympics gold, Malaysia have stood tall on top of the podium at every level of multi-Games, several world championships of different sports, and even at the Paralympics, thanks to the initiative and environment created by the government’s arm for elite athletes to excel.

Former men’s singles legend and 1996 Atlanta Olympics bronze medallist Rashid Sidek was one of many who had expressed their wishes for the NSC family over their golden jubilee celebration.

“It’s my hope that NSC will continue to uphold excellence and all coaches will be supported to produce world champions,” said Rashid in a grand gathering organised by NSC via online.

National para athletics chief coach R. Jaganathan, who led Malaysia to three golds at the 2016 Rio Paralympics said: “We thank you for your contribution and support given to the para athletes and coaches.”

Former greats – Nicol David (squash) and Shalin Zulkifli (bowling) showered their gratitude to the NSC and wished they would continue to provide the best services for athletes.

Others who also expressed their wishes included Farah Ann Abdul Hadi (rhythmic gymnastics), Pandelela Rinong (diving) and Azizulhasni Awang (cycling).

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican congratulated all the unsung heroes behind the NSC machinery.

“I congratulate every workforce who has been a part of the solid NSC foundation built over the years. Thank you for your commitment, determination and effort to sustain the excellence over five decades,” said Reezal.

The NSC are currently headed by their ninth director general – Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail (pic).