18 of the 30 Malaysian eligible athletes to Tokyo Olympics are female

Malaysian participants to Tokyo Olympics from July 23 to August 8, will record its own history when 60 per cent or 18 of the 30 eligible athletes are female.

In 2016, Malaysia’s female athletes numbered to 15 at Rio Olympic Games which was 47 per cent of the 32 athletes at that time, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) said.

While the 2020 world’s biggest sporting event which is the Tokyo Olympics, has 13 national athletes to be making their debut, whereas, over than 50 per cent have had previous experience.

In her fifth participation at the Olympic Games, the National diver Leong Mun Yee will create history for Malaysian athletes, starting with the 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo editions.

Mohd Azizulhasni Awang who is the Track cycling champion will contest for the fourth consecutive time after the Beijing, London and 2016 Rio Olympic Games. While, for the diving queen of the country, Pandelela Rinong who also competed in London and Rio, this will be the third consecutive time.

After returning with a silver medal in the last edition of badminton tournament, mixed doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying is ready to appear at the Games for their third consecutive appearance.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican have greeted those who were part of the preparations, especially the athletes with appreciation and congratulations for qualifying to 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

In his address, he said that this is a very meaningful moment, as the athletes have poured out their hard work, effort and commitment to get into that stage despite the setback caused by the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. He added that as they carry the name of the nation and fight for the country, Malaysia will continue to support all of them and will be praying for protection against any misfortune, especially in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.