KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) — The government has disbursed a total of RM4.26 million in rewards to medal-winning athletes and their coaches under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (SHAKAM) in three major multi-sport events held this year namely the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.
Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari said of the total, RM3.55 million was allocated as SHAKAM incentives for medal-winning athletes, while RM710,000 was provided as incentives for coaches under the Coaches’ Incentive Scheme (SGAR).
He added that the total amount comprises RM1.09 million for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, RM1.87 million for the Asian Games, and RM1.30 million for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games.
“This incentive is not merely a monetary reward. It is a symbol of the nation’s appreciation for your sacrifices, discipline, and excellence.
“Every time the Jalur Gemilang is raised and Negaraku is played, all Malaysians share the same sense of pride,” he said in his speech at a hotel in the federal capital tonight.
At the event, national track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang was among the top recipients under the ‘Special Recognition’ category, taking home a reward of RM180,000 while national para long jump star Datuk Abdul Latif Romly also received a reward, amounting to RM160,000.
The national contingent delivered an outstanding performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games held from July 23 to August 2 securing eight gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, placing the country 10th overall.
This achievement surpassed the initial target of five gold medals and marked the nation’s best performance since the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Forty-eight days later, at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, national athletes once again demonstrated their prowess by exceeding the target of six gold medals, bringing home nine gold, seven silver, and 16 bronze medals.
This commendable achievement saw the national athletes equal Malaysia’s best-ever record, previously set at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.
Similar excellence was also displayed at the Asian Para Games, held from October 18 to 24, where the national contingent successfully met its target of six gold medals.
— BERNAMA