RM4.26mil paid out to athletes, coaches under sports incentive scheme

PETALING JAYA: Track cycling star Azizulhasni Awang and para long jumper Latif Romly were among the biggest recipients as the government paid out RM4.26mil to national athletes and coaches for their outstanding performances at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games this year.

The incentives were paid out under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) and National Coaches Incentive Scheme (SGAR) during a presentation ceremony on Tuesday (Nov 3) evening.

Under Shakam, athletes who win an individual medal receive RM80,000 for gold, RM40,000 for silver and RM20,000 for bronze.

Pairs split the incentive while the incentive for teams is based on the number of athletes in the team.

Coaches receive incentives amounting to 20% of what their athletes receive.

Azizul, who won keirin gold at the Commonwealth Games as well as keirin gold and individual sprint bronze at the Asian Games, pocketed a cool RM180,000.

Latif, who won gold in the men's T20 long jump at both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Para Games, received RM160,000.

Malaysia won eight gold, three silver and five bronze at the Commonwealth Games.

The national contingent won 9-7-6 at the Asian Games and 6-8-13 at the Asian Para Games.