KUALA LUMPUR: The government will consider allocating more funds for sports in the upcoming 2017 Budget.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said spending in sports can offer big returns, especially in uniting the people and to enliven the spirit of the nation.
"It is not about the achievements but you (the Olympics and Paralympic athletes) who enrich the spirit of the people.
"That is the most important. You make us believe that we can succeed and Insyaallah (God willing), we should spend and invest more in sports. This is also a reminder to myself as I am preparing the budget in the next few days," he said during the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) event tonight.
The Malaysian Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic athlethes were celebrated in a grand ceremony at the St Regis Hotel, Kuala Lumpur today.
Muhamad Ziyad Zolkefli and Abdul Latif Romly, who won gold and broke records in the men's shot put F20 (intellectual disability) and men's long jump T20 (intellectual disability) events, respectively, received a total of RM1,050,000.00 each.
Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi who won gold and set a new record in the men's 100m T36 (cerebral palsy) sprint, received RM1,020,000.00.
Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who won silver in the Olympic badminton men’s singles, received RM500,000.
Men's badminton doubles Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong, badminton mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying and divers Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong brought back RM350,000.
Azizulhasni Awang won a bronze in the men’s keirin event and Paralympian Siti Noor Radiah Ismail, who delivered a bronze in the women's long jump T20, were awarded RM300,000.
Najib also presented the 30 percent National Sports Council's Coaching Incentive Scheme (SGAR) to coaches who helped the athletes achieve success.