KUALA LUMPUR: Track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, considered an elite athlete in Malaysia, expressed surprise at being selected for the country's 'Road to Gold' (RTG) programme aimed at securing Malaysia's first gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Despite feeling the weight of the responsibility, he acknowledged the privilege of being chosen as a prospect for the coveted title, alongside a world champion and an Olympic medalist.
"The pressure is there but the important thing is that I am taking it positively to be selected in the RTG... meaning that I have to give 100 per cent and indeed it is my responsibility to deliver more (at the 2024 Olympic Games)," he told Bernama.
Asked about what is expected from him in the RTG programme, the 2022 Commonwealth Games men's keirin bronze medallist said discussions are still being held with his coach John Beasley before finalising what is required to help him race in Paris 2024.
Muhammad Shah Firdaus, who is currently undergoing training in Europe, said he will meet with the RTG committee after returning from competing in the third round of the Cup of Nations in Milton, Canada, early next month to get further developments regarding the offer he will enjoy in the programme.
The list of 15 athletes selected for the RTG programme also includes former world champion and 2020 Olympic Games men's keirin silver medalist Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang.
Badminton dominates the programme with 11 shuttlers listed, including world champions and 2020 Tokyo Olympics men's doubles bronze medallists Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, national professional men's champion Lee Zii Jia and women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah.
Also selected are three professional doubles pairs, two from the mixed doubles camp namely Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and the men's doubles pair of Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi while two divers- Datuk Pandelela Rinong and Nur Dhabitah Sabri - complete the list of athletes in the RTG programme.
Meanwhile, Soon Huat, who was grateful to make the cut in the RTG programme, believed that it will definitely motivate them to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time in France.
Soon Huat said he and Shevon can now heave a huge sigh of relief after all their effort to get assistance, especially from the Youth and Sports Ministry, had finally paid off.
"Our priority demand will be the support staff services from the National Sports Council and also National Sports Institute for the medical, physiotherapy and masseur (departments) during tournaments and training.
"While the competition will be more intense as we will be facing Olympic Games 2024 qualification which begins next month as well as back-to-back tournaments, we not only have to be in the best condition but also avoid injury," he said.
Yew Sin, on the other hand, said he and Ee Yi will give their best to repay the faith that the RTG committee showed in them while Thinaah hoped that all processes that they need to go through in the programme will run smoothly. -- BERNAMA
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
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