'National athletes used to be rewarded with Milo packets'

The programme was envisioned by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar as a platform to boost the sporting spirit of young talents and instil the spirit of competition among potential athletes.

While various comments had been posted in the social media on the issue, former national athletes said their path to glory was even more difficult and cash prize was not the main attraction for them to continue their endeavour into the international sports arena.

Former national gymnastic queen, Nurul Fatiha Abdul Hamid, a finalist in the uneven bars in the 2007 World Cup Championship in Shanghai, said she and other athletes were not exposed to prizes of great value and merely received a small allowance of RM100 a month.

"We were sometimes rewarded with packets of Milo and blank certificates which we have to type our own names," said the 2003 SEA Games gold medallist.

At that time, she said she was only thinking of bringing honours to the country and her self satisfaction with the achievements.

"As national athletes, we received RM100 a month as allowance but we just went on with our challenges.

"We were only thinking about the honours our performance could bring. Besides, there were not many gymnastic competition with prize money," she posted in her Facebook today.

Nurul Fatiha felt the issue which had gone viral should not be blown up and all parties should look at the actual objective of organising JCM.

"The intention is important, that is to encourage more children to be active in sports. Money is secondary because once you are good and successful at higher levels, the money and fame will come. We have to think positively," she said.

In this regard, former national road cyclist Mohd Yusof Abdul Nasir said since his initial days in cycling, winners did not receive lucrative rewards.

He said it was important to win to be able to represent the country in prestigious races such as the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) and major sports meet.

"At that time, we used to share our winnings regardless of who the winner is. In one instance, Eja (Shahrulneeza Razali) a senior racer won but we each get to receive RM10 after sharing the prize money.

"At that time, what was in my mind was to get selected to represent the country and ride for honours for the country," he told Bernama.

Mohd Yusof, who is now a coach at Selangor High Peformance Sports Unit, however proposed the prize money be changed into cycling sports equipment.

"Maybe some do not quite understand cycling as there were some harsh comments. Perhaps the issue had help to draw the attention of more sponsors in future events," said Mohd Yusof who represented the country at the SEA Games in Manila.

Meanwhile, Johor cycling squad coach, Mohd Firdaus Daud said the issue of meagre prize money arose as some people were more interested in prizes compared to the long term effects of the programme.

"Previously, there were no cash prizes in competition organised by Sportsexcel, they were only introduced recently. We used to win medals and packets of Milo.

"Over time, we accumulated quite a lot of the drink," said Mohd Firdaus who was a member of the national squad.

He hoped there would be even better response to JCM when it is held in Ipoh and Kelantan after the attention JCM had garnered.

Meanwhile, former national track cyclist Josiah Ng said money should not be the main attraction in scouting for new sports talents.

"When I was a young racer, I was only concerned about two things, racing and winning. Money came to my pocket because I was able to race a lot and that led me to become a champion.

"I have made a very good living from cycling over my 15 year career. Do not focus on money. Be happy that JCM is putting on events that will help you to be a better competitor.

"JCM will help to develop you into a champion. Once you are a champion, the money will come!" he said in his Facebook.