Inadequate: Norliyana Kamaruddin said she had not been mentally ready for the Games. — AP
MENTAL health is a serious concern in the Malaysian contingent and deputy chef de mission Dr Farrah Hani Imran wants it to be addressed tactfully.
She pointed out several incidents that indicated that athletes need help.
High jumper Norliyana Kamaruddin said she had not been mentally ready for the Games after losing her way during the competition with poor clearance to finish last.
The men’s 400m runner Umar Osman, who failed to qualify for the final, had requested to meet a psychologist as he did not know how to deal with worries over minor injuries.
The former gymnast said the Youth and Sports Ministry and National Sports Council would have to give priority to these issues.
“I do hope that the relevant stakeholders will look at initiatives to focus on mental health and strength. It is important for the athletes,” she said.
“It’s hard for athletes to deal when they are labelled as failure. Labelling someone as a failure is easy but there are consequences. Let’s be mindful of labels.”
