KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has high hopes for the national contingents to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to do well and see the Jalur Gemilang raised and the national anthem played in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government and the people were longing to see the country bring home its first gold medal at the event.
"I hope the prayers of all Malaysians accompany our contingent so that they may achieve success.
"We in the government are trying to provide the best space for them to continue training, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have allowed them to conduct training under quarantine with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) in place," he said at a press conference today.
Earlier, he represented Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the Prime Minister's Address to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic contingents held virtually.
Ismail Sabri also handed over the Jalur Gemilang to the two contingents, received by Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria and Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin.
The Olympics will be held from July 23 to Aug 8, while the Paralympics will take place from Aug 24 to Sept 5.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the quarantine period for athletes returning from the Games would be set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and discussed at the National Security Council (MKN) special and technical meetings.
"For the celebrations, I think as of today, we still can't gather. In fact, if it was possible we would have gathered today (for the ceremony) as it's better if done face-to-face. We have a few more weeks (till the Games end), maybe the situation will change," he said.
He said efforts were also in place to ensure that national athletes were not infected with COVID-19, besides having contingency measures in case anyone did get infected.
Ismail Sabri, who has previously helmed the ministry of youth and sports and headed the 2008 Olympic Steering Committee, said that sports always united the people, transcending the boundaries of religion, race and political ideologies.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the medal target for the national contingent would be announced on Friday (July 16).
Today's ceremony witnessed the taking of the oath by the national contingents led by diving queen Pandelela Rinong.
A total of 30 national athletes will compete in the Olympics, while 31 are expected to qualify for the Paralympics.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jul 13 2021
Ismail Sabri said the government and the people were longing to see the country bring home its first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic. - Astro AWANIpic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.