Technical experts and support services form the bulk of the Malaysian Contingent to the XXXIII Olympic Games Paris 2024

20 July 2024

KUALA LUMPUR : In response to recent public discussions and concerns regarding the Malaysian Contingent participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) wishes to provide clarity and assurance about their preparations and expenditures.

According to a statement released by OCM as the custodian of the Olympic Games in Malaysia, the OCM is mandated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure athletes receive comprehensive support.

This includes coaches, technical experts, and a range of essential services for optimizing performance.

Funding is provided partly by IOC bodies, such as Olympic Solidarity and the IOC’s The Olympic Partners (TOP) sponsorship, along with contributions from the National Sports Council (NSC) and National Sports Institute (NSI).

The Malaysian Contingent heading to Paris 2024 comprises 26 athletes and 40 officials, including 15 technical experts, 11 support services crew, 9 Secretariat members, and 5 team managers.

Each role is vital in ensuring the athletes receive the support they need.

On technical experts, the contingent includes 15 coaches and technical directors across various sports,

responsible for training, strategy development, and performance optimization:

(i) Norazam Ishak (Archery)

(ii) Lee Jae Hyung (Archery) Technical Director

(iii) Robert Ballard (Athletics) Technical Director

(iv) Nor Aznizal Najib (Aquatics – Diving)

(v) Eric Anderson (Aquatics Swimming)

(vi) Rexy Mainaky (Badminton)

(vii) Tan Bin Shen (Badminton)

(viii) Nova Widianto (Badminton)

(ix) Hoon Thien How (Badminton)

(x) Wong Tat Meng (Badminton)

(xi) Amir Mustafa Rusli (Cycling – Road)

(xii) John Beasley (Cycling – Track)

(xiii) Asri Azman (Sailing)

(xiv) Mohamad Firdaus Abd Rahim (Shooting)

(xv) Edmund Yeo Thian Chuan (Weightlifting)

As for the support services, this team includes medical professionals, physiotherapists, masseurs, strength and

conditioning coaches, mental health officers, mechanics, and performance analysts, crucial in maintaining athletes' physical and mental well-being and ensuring peak performance:

(i) Dr Jasmiza Khuzairi Jasme (Chief Medical Officer)

(ii) Nurdiasafra Hassan (Physiotherapist)

(iii) Chin Chee Yong (Physiotherapist)

(iv) Sebah Kari (masseur)

(v) Muhamad Shafiq Amran (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

(vi) Lim Jin Xuan (Mental Health Officer)

(vii) Harnizam Basri (Mechanic – Cycling Track)

(viii) Mollynica Juanis (Masseur)

(ix) Chee Lee Ming (Performance Analyst)

(x) Luke Henry Swemmer (Caddy – Golf)

(xi) Joshua Xihua Song (Caddy – Golf)

Management and Secretariat comprise of a group of 9 officials, led by Chef de Mission Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin and assisted by Deputy Chef de Mission Datuk Nicol Ann David, manage the registration of athletes and officials, logistics, media relations, safeguarding elements, and coordination with NSC and NSI.

Their roles are critical for ensuring the smooth operation of the contingent.

Apart from the two leaders, the remaining officials are:

(i) Almas Afrida Ramli (Chief of the Secretariat – OCM)

(ii) Izzat Danial Su Azlan Su (OCM)

(iii) Ang Li Peng (Safeguarding Officer – OCM)

(iv) Megat Ahmad Kushairy Abdul Aziz (NSC)

(v) Mohamad Fawwaz Jamal (NSI)

(vi) Mohd Faizal Mohd Yusop (OCM)

(vii) Muhammad Rizal Hashim (Press Attache – OCM)

Team Managers include 5 team managers to accompany their respective athletes, overseeing their needs and

coordination:

(i) Dato’ Teoh Teng Chor (Badminton)

(ii) Norazman Abu Samah (Cycling – Road)

(iii) Mohd Izham Mohamad (Cycling – Track)

(iv) Teoh Piek Kee (Golf)

(v) Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim OLY (Weightlifting)

The OCM would like to emphasize that all expenditures are carefully planned and necessary for the successful participation of our athletes. The attention-drawing official attire and luggage are fully sponsored by our long-standing partners, Yonex Sunrise Malaysia and Samsonite Malaysia, ensuring that there is no additional financial burden on the OCM or the athletes.

On Paralympic Involvement, OCM said it is important to clarify that the Paralympic Games fall under the jurisdiction of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and not the IOC or OCM.

The selection and participation in the Paralympic Games follow separate guidelines and protocols established by the IPC.

The OCM remains committed to prioritising the well-being and development of athletes, providing them with the best possible environment to excel and bring glory to Malaysia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"We are dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability in all our operations and appreciate the public’s concern and support," the statement concluded.