(Kuala Lumpur, 20th July 2024) In response to recent public discussions and concerns regarding the Malaysian Contingent participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the OCM wishes to provide clarity and assurance about our preparations and expenditures.
OCM’s Role and Responsibilities
As the custodian of the Olympic Games in Malaysia, the OCM is mandated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure our athletes receive comprehensive support. This includes coaches, technical experts, and a range of essential services for optimizing performance. Funding is provided partly by IOC bodies, such as Olympic Solidarity and the IOC’s The Olympic Partners (TOP) sponsorship, along with contributions from the National Sports Council (NSC) and National Sports Institute (NSI).
Breakdown of the Malaysian Contingent
The Malaysian Contingent heading to Paris 2024 comprises 26 athletes and 40 officials, including 15 technical experts, 11 support services crew, 9 management and secretariat and 5 team managers. Each role is vital in ensuring our athletes receive the support they need.
Technical Experts:
The contingent includes 15 coaches and technical directors across various sports, responsible for training, strategy development, and performance optimization:
1.
Lee Jae Hyung (Archery) Coaching Director
2.
Norizham Ishak (Archery)
3.
Robert Ballard OLY (Athletics) Technical Director
4.
Nor Aznizal Najib (Aquatics – Diving)
5.
Eric Anderson (Aquatics – Swimming)
6.
Rexy Mainaky OLY (Badminton) Technical Director
7.
Tan Bin Shen (Badminton)
8.
Nova Widianto (Badminton)
9.
Hoon Thien How (Badminton)
10.
Wong Tat Meng (Badminton)
11.
Amir Mustafa Rusli OLY (Cycling – Road)
12.
John Beasley (Cycling – Track)
13.
Asri Azman (Sailing)
14.
Mohamad Firdaus Abd Rahim (Shooting)
15.
Edmund Yeo Thian Chuan (Weightlifting)
Support Services Crew:
This team includes medical professionals, physiotherapists, masseurs, strength and conditioning coaches, mental health officers, mechanics, and performance analysts, crucial in maintaining athletes’ physical and mental well-being and ensuring peak performance:
1.
Dr. Jasmiza Khuzairi Jasme (Chief Medical Officer)
2.
Nurdiasafra Hassan (Physiotherapist)
3.
Chin Chee Yong (Physiotherapist)
4.
Sebah Kari (Masseur)
5.
Muhamad Shafiq Amran (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
6.
Lim Jin Xuan (Mental Health Officer)
7.
Harnizam Basri (Mechanic – Cycling Track)
8.
Mollynica Juanis (Masseur)
9.
Chee Lee Ming (Performance Analyst)
10.
Luke Henry Swemmer (Caddy – Golf)
11.
Joshua Xihua Song (Caddy – Golf)
Management and Secretariat:
A group of 9 officials, led by the Chef de Mission, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin and assisted by the Deputy Chef de Mission, Datuk Nicol Ann David, manage the registration of athletes and officials, logistics, media relations, safeguarding elements and coordination with NSC and NSI. Their roles are critical for ensuring the smooth operation of the contingent.
Apart from the 2 leaders, the remaining officials are:
1.
Almas Afrida Ramli (Chief of the Secretariat – OCM)
2.
Izzat Danial Su Azlan Su (OCM)
3.
Ang Li Peng (Safeguarding Officer – OCM)
4.
Megat Ahmad Kushairy Abdul Aziz (NSC)
5.
Mohamad Fawwaz Jamal (NSI)
6.
Mohd Faizal Mohd Yusop (OCM)
7.
Muhammad Rizal Hashim (Press Attache – OCM)
Team Managers:
5 team managers accompany their respective athletes, overseeing their needs and coordination:
1.
Dato’ Teoh Teng Chor (Badminton)
2.
Norazman Abu Samah (Cycling – Road)
3.
Mohd Izham Mohamad (Cycling – Track)
4.
Teoh Piek Kee (Golf)
5.
Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim OLY (Weightlifting)
Prudent and Necessary Expenditures
The OCM would like to emphasize that all expenditures are carefully planned and necessary for the successful participation of our athletes. The attention-drawing official attire and luggage are fully sponsored by our long-standing partners, Yonex Sunrise Malaysia and Samsonite Malaysia, ensuring that there is no additional financial burden on the OCM or the athletes.
Clarification on Paralympic Involvement
It is important to clarify that the Paralympic Games fall under the jurisdiction of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM), not the IOC or OCM. The selection and participation in the Paralympic Games follow separate guidelines and protocols established by the IPC.
Commitment to Excellence
The OCM remains committed to prioritizing the well-being and development of our athletes, providing them with the best possible environment to excel and bring glory to Malaysia at the XXXIII Olympic Games Paris 2024. We are dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability in all our operations and appreciate the public’s concern and support.
