LETTER | Play it right to build stronger sports future

LETTER | First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all 26 Malaysian athletes for their strong performance at the Paris Olympics.

Competing on the world’s biggest stage and securing two bronze medals is no small feat. Our athletes and their coaching teams have given their all for Malaysia, and for that, we are immensely proud.

However, with the Road to Gold programme not meeting its target of gold medals, comprehensive actions must be taken to further develop Malaysia’s competitive sports ecosystem.

The issue is not with our athletes or their coaches, but with the broader system that supports them.

If we are to continue producing world-class athletes who can compete at the highest levels, we need to ensure that the right infrastructure, resources, and support are in place.

To be fair, winning gold isn’t everything. All athletes aspire to victory, but our national focus on gold medals may have unintentionally increased the pressure on them.

The psychological impact of this pressure cannot be ignored. Athletes are not just physical beings; their mental well-being plays a crucial role in their performance.

When the weight of a nation’s expectations rests on their shoulders, the stress can be overwhelming, potentially affecting their ability to perform at their best.

While the Olympics are often seen as the pinnacle of sports, it’s important to recognise that they are not the only measure of success.

Pay attention to other sports

Malaysia has its own world champions in sports like badminton, diving, and cycling - sports in which our athletes have also won Olympic medals.

Moreover, Malaysia excels in non-Olympic sports as well. We have produced world-class athletes in squash and bowling too, just to name a few.

Soh Wai Ching, for instance, is the world’s number one and a world champion in tower running. We have won the Dodgeball World Championship three times and are set to defend our title in this month.

Additionally, the Selangor Red Giants team claimed its third Esports World Cup title earlier in July, and closer to home, we secured silver at the Southeast Asia Tchoukball Championship 2023.

These achievements deserve recognition, and perhaps more resources should be allocated to support these sports.

Aiming for gold is a long-term endeavour that requires decades of investment in the right ecosystem. For instance, physical education sessions in schools should be safeguarded and not replaced with other subjects.

Local town councils must also ensure that there are safe, accessible sports facilities like basketball and futsal courts for citizens.

Proper maintenance of these facilities is essential to encourage regular participation and to foster a culture of sports from a young age.

One indirect outcome would be our rakyat can be encouraged to lead a more active lifestyle, which translates to better health outcomes. Who knows, this can contribute to us shedding the tag of the “fattest country in Southeast Asia”!

Sports unite

As we look to the future, we hope to see more Malaysian athletes on the podium, just as Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, and Lee Zii Jia did for us at the Paris Olympics.

But beyond medals, sports can serve as a powerful agent of unity. When Malaysians from all walks of life play sports together, they develop a deeper understanding of one another, breaking down barriers between different groups.

Watching sports together, whether at mamak shops or electronic appliance stores in shopping malls, has a similar effect, as we collectively cheer “Malaysia Boleh” for the athletes representing the Jalur Gemilang.

We must invest wisely in our sports ecosystem. By doing so, we will not only nurture a generation of physically healthier Malaysians but also foster a more united nation. That, in itself, is the gold medal Malaysia truly deserves.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.