DATUK SERI (DR.) ENG WEI CHUN – 500 Grams of Gold Metal Glory
Sports not only serve as a barometer of a nation’s civilization but also mirror its standard of living. In today’s era of globalization, a country’s standing on the global stage hinges not just on its economic clout and political heft but also on its cultural and sporting achievements. The Olympics, revered as the pinnacle of global sporting events, offer a stage for nations to flaunt their athletes’ prowess and stand as a testament to national pride and glory. For developing nations like Malaysia, clinching an Olympic gold medal is not merely a leap forward in the realm of sports but also a vital avenue to boost its international profile and stature.
At present, our national sports standards have yet to reach the next level, and our Olympic performances have been far from stellar. Considering our population of around 33.7 million, bagging only 2 bronze medals at 2024 France Olympics is underwhelming. In fact, our best record was at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where our athletes managed to win 4 silver and 1 bronze medals, despite a population of 31.66 million at the time. This situation begs the question of whether our national athletic prowess has taken a hit and what factors might be at play. One major stumbling block could be the politicization, religious influence, and racialization of sports. These issues can put the brakes on some athletes, especially women, preventing them from stepping up to the plate and seizing opportunities. Such constraints may well be key reasons why we’ve fallen short of gold medals at the Olympics.
In recent years, Malaysia has begun to make waves on the international sports stage, particularly with its exceptional achievements in badminton. Given Malaysia’s population of 33.7 million, its GDP, educational system, and infrastructure, the country has the capability to snag more than just 2 bronze medals. According to demographic projections, Malaysia is set to become an aging nation by 2030, with the proportion of people aged 60 and above expected to climb to 15%. Against this backdrop, it’s imperative to get ahead of the curve by overhauling the educational system and placing a stronger emphasis on sports. The government and private sectors need to join forces to unearth and cultivate more athletic talent, rather than putting all their eggs in the academic basket. Additionally, the public should rally behind our athletes, giving them the support they need to focus on their performance, aim for gold, and elevate national pride. I firmly believe that Malaysians, with their forward-thinking mindset, will grasp the gravity of this and work together with unwavering dedication for the country’s honour.
Since our debut at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, 71 years have flown by, and we have yet to bag any gold medals, having only secured a total of 15 medals (8 silver and 7 bronze). To spur our athletes on, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (abbreviated as “KBS”) has rolled out a staggering RM1million reward for the athlete who wins Malaysia’s first gold. Beyond this generous prize, both the government and the private sector also play pivotal roles in fostering professional athletes and providing assurance to the athletes’ future prospects. Many developed countries wouldn’t drop the ball in this regard, as they hold sports as a matter of national pride. I urge KBS to dig into the national team’s pension scheme, medical subsidies, and the transition plans for athletes so to entice more individuals to join the national team and bring home the glory for the country.
If we take a closer look at the UK and several European countries like France, Italy, and Germany, it becomes clear that they have been top contenders in the past few Olympics, consistently racking up medals and securing spots in the top 10. Despite grappling with issues such as an aging population, these nations continue to lead the pack, demonstrating that achieving such feats is no walk in the park. Their success is largely due to a combination of a mature educational system, a high degree of social civilisation, a supportive social environment, and the government’s steadfast commitment to discovering and nurturing athletic talent. As Rome wasn’t built in a day—it takes a sustained effort of 30 to 50 years to reach such heights.
In conclusion, an Olympic medal may only weigh about 500 grams, but the honour and pressure it carries are anything but light. Athletes face a mountain of stress, from fierce competition and intense public scrutiny to high self and national expectations as they chase gold. Let’s give a big hand to every athlete competing at the Olympics for their grit and dedication. At the same time, let’s rally behind Malaysia, hoping our nation strides confidently into the future and embraces a brighter tomorrow.
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