The ‘Podium Program’, which was officiated two days ago in the National Sports Institute received mostly positive receptions from all parties and national cyclist Azizulhasni Awang certainly has much to comment on the idea of it.
“This is the best program and idea to ever exist in Malaysia,” said the Pocket Rocketman as quoted from Harian Metro.
“Since the day I became a professional elite cyclist in Melbourne back in 2007, this is really the best idea and program we’ve ever had.”
“I hope this program will improve the performance of the national athletes and bring their careers to greater heights.”
Azizulhasni and compatriot Fatehah Mustapa are the two cyclist listed for the program.
The program, launched by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on Tuesday, will consist of 97 athletes from a plethora of sports, including badminton, karate, diving and many more.
The objective of the program is to make sure that the athletes are able to secure gold medals in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and also crack into the top 10 Asian teams in both the Jakarta Asian Games and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018. The program was underpinned by a total expenditure of RM75 million.
“I hope that all the leaders of the sports industry can be futuristic like our minister Khairy and think of great ideas to improve the industry within the country. We really thank him and his initiative to bring a change in the local sports phenomenon.”
“This program is aimed to forward out country to a much more professional level because we aren’t at that sort of level yet.”
Other posts by Michelle Liew
