Additional funding could be in store for Aruwin after impressive show

Commendable finish: Aruwin Salehhuddin clocked 1:36.74s in the women’s slalom, finishing fourth behind bronze medallist Eren Watanabe of Japan at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin. — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: Alpine skier Aruwin Salehhuddin could be in line for a financial reward following her commendable performance at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, which concluded today.

Her impressive outing in the women’s slalom event, where she finished just shy of a podium spot, has prompted Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to request the National Sports Council (NSC) to assess the possibility of additional support.

Any allocation will depend on the special budget provided by the Finance Ministry (MOF).

Last year, the NSC granted RM50,000 to support Aruwin’s career alongside other national athletes.

However, Hannah could not confirm the amount to be allocated this time, as the decision is still under review and the ministry’s financial resources remain limited.

“A lot of investment comes from parents, and their sacrifices are significant because winter sports are not widely practised in Malaysia due to limited access.

“The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) have requested that NSC consider additional funding, as Aruwin finished fourth, and with more support, she may have a shot at the podium.

“The NSC are evaluating the request carefully, as our budget is not bottomless and is allocated annually by MOF. We need to plan wisely because, like last year, our special allocation was prioritised for EPF contributions and athlete allowances,” said Hannah.

Aruwin clocked 1:36.74s in the women’s slalom, finishing fourth and just 1.82 seconds behind bronze medallist Eren Watanabe of Japan.

It stands as the best achievement by a Malaysian athlete at the Asian Winter Games since the country made its debut at the 2007 edition in Changchun, China.

Aruwin is now seen as Malaysia’s best prospect to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia.

Apart from Aruwin, the Malaysian contingent in Harbin also featured seven other athletes: Tang Wei Yan (cross-country skiing), Ashley Chin and Ameer Iman Fadzli (short track speed skating), as well as Low Chun Hong, Fang Ze Zeng, Afrina Diyanah Ananda, and Goh Kai Er (figure skating).