PETALING JAYA: National athletic team coach Mohd Manshahar Abdul Jalil has resorted to Plan B as his initial idea was ruined by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Under Distance Trials which was scheduled at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil last Saturday was scrapped due to the spike in cases.
Manshahar will now hold a closed-door internal event as he feels that competition is crucial to gauge the athletes’ progress who have been training in Bukit Jalil since July.
He added that 53 athletes will be competing in 11 events.
“The event will be held at the National Sports Complex with strict standard operating procedures.
“It will only involve Podium Programme and back-up athletes and officials who are currently based in Bukit Jalil, ” said Manshahar.
“Although it’s just a test session, I believe the athletes will be excited to get a feel of competing again although it will be among themselves.
“After months of training, we need to gather data of their progress so that we know which area they need to improve.
“They have been based in Bukit Jalil since July and have undergone swab tests so I don’t think there’s any chance of them contracting the virus, ” he said.
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