Mohd Hairi (centre) meeting some of the Johor athletes who represented Malaysia at the SEA Games in Cambodia.
THE 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia provided good exposure to Johor athletes, according to state youth, sports, entrepreneur development, cooperatives and human resources committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.
He said 66 athletes from Johor represented Malaysia at the SEA Games.
“It gave our athletes more experience to better prepare for Sukma 2024, which will be held in Sarawak,” he added.
Mohd Hairi, who is also Larkin assemblyman, said the state athletes represented Malaysia in various sports such as athletics, aquatics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cycling, hockey and boxing during the SEA Games which was held from May 5 to 17.
The state government is contemplating giving incentives to its athletes who won medals for Malaysia.
“We are proud of the Johor athletes’ performance in the SEA Games as many won medals, including gold.
“We are currently discussing with the Johor Sports Council how to reward them and we hope to announce the rewards soon.
“We hope the rewards will not only inspire the SEA Games athletes but others too,” said Mohd Hairi, adding that prior to the SEA Games, the state government gave RM1,000 to each athlete.
In last year’s Sukma or Malaysia Games, Johor emerged champion for the first time by winning 77 gold, 52 silver and 43 bronze medals. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
