Watson Nyambek: Fewer international meets affected athletes' performances

 

A lack of exposure to international competitions among athletes during the pandemic is among the factors contributing to the Malaysian contingent's unsatisfactory performance in the recently concluded South East Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

According to former national sprinter Watson Nyambek (above), participation in international competitions has reduced from up to seven meets - four in Asia and three in Europe - to only two or three in the past year.

"Due to the pandemic, exposure to international competitions has been limited. That is the glaring weakness in our athletes.

"Only two or three international competitions were held, and that's not enough. It should be at least five competitions or more.

"Our athletes lack the spirit," Watson told Malaysiakini.

Watson, now a coach with the Sarawak Sports Council, agreed to a suggestion for the government to provide more funds in terms of athletes' allowance, as well as to increase participation in international competitions to boost their spirits.

“Yes, that should be done to ensure the performances of our athletes are at their best," he said.

Higher gold medals achieved

Malaysia ended its Hanoi SEA Games appearance in the sixth place behind Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. This is the country's lowest ranking in close to 40 years.

For the first time since the 1983 Singapore SEA Games, Malaysia has fallen below 5th place among participating countries.

Malaysia, however, exceeded its goal of 36 gold medals at the Hanoi games, with 39 gold, 45 silver and 89 bronze medals.

On the issue of reduced athlete's allowance which was raised by former youth and sports deputy minister Steven Sim, Watson conceded it was a factor that contributed to the reduced performance.

"The reduced allowance issue played a role because we can see many athletes grumbling about it.

"It is a factor for their reduced performance," he said.

Sim had, on Sunday, criticised Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu for his statement, which was seen as blaming the athletes for Malaysia's sixth-place position.

Sim said Ahmad Faizal should instead be blamed for the reduction in the overall allocation for athletes. - Mkini