Despite the widespread of the Zika virus, the Malaysian national team will still be gunning down for an appearance in the Rio Olympics this August under tight surveillance and care with the help of the National Olympic Council (MOM).
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin stated that thus far, no teams have submitted any form of withdrawal request from the prestigious event to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“For now, there are no decisions regarding pulling out from the Olympics,” said Khairy as quoted from Utusan.
“No country has filed a report to the IOC on the issue, including Malaysia. We will take good care of this situation.”
“We have five more months before the Olympics, we will pay attention to the development of the virus and also keep in touch with Brazil.”
The spiral caused by the Zika virus, especially within the South American continent, has caused worries to tourists and athletes heading to Rio.
So far, six athletes have qualified to the Olympics by merit, with four being from the diving team, which are Pandelela Rinong, Ooi Tze Liang, Nur Dhabitah Sabri and Ng Yan Yee. Khairul Anuar Mohamad will be representing Malaysia for archery, whereas Jonathan Wong will be competing under the shooting event.
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