KUALA LUMPUR: New inclusions for the Podium Programme will be revealed on Friday.
However, underachieving athletes, under the programme, will also be deselected.
The national men’s hockey team are expected to be part of the programme following their success in qualifying for next year’s World Cup in India.
“I was told that several athletes will be deselected, but new ones will be included,” said Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin during the “One Medal, One Tree” programme in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
“The Podium Programme selection committee will review proposals for new inclusions and also look into the performances of athletes currently in the programme.
“However, we have not finalised the list yet. The committee will only review matters tomorrow (on Thursday).
The programme was launched in 2016 with an aim of winning Malaysia’s first ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2020. It currently has 117 athletes.
Translated from Harian Metro