Athletes now allowed to undergo centralised training - Reezal Merican

KUALA LUMPUR: National athletes are now allowed to undergo centralised training in a controlled manner as the quarantine-based training ended today, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

He said apart from fitness level, competitiveness and performance, it was also important to look after the athletes' mental health.

"I think they have had enough of it (quarantine-based training). So, I think it is time to give them some relaxation and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all athletes and coaches who have been committed to undergo quarantine-based training.

"I highly respect their commitment. I hope after this they can continue their training as usual since Selangor is now placed under the Conditional Movement Control Order and the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased."

He said this to reporters after observing the standard operating procedures (SOPs) compliance of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) at the National Hockey Stadium here, last night.

Since January this year, about 600 athletes from 28 sports categories have been undergoing quarantine-based training following the increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The training was held at the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex, Datuk Keramat Sports Complex, Badminton Academy Malaysia in Bukit Kiara, Paralympic Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan and the National Velodrome in Nilai.

Reezal Merican however reminded the athletes to maintain their compliance with the SOPs and new norms when undergoing their training outside.

-- BERNAMA