LETTERS: It was disheartening to read about a karate team comprising nine young Malaysian Indians who allegedly faced discrimination and financial hardship to get sponsors for their flight expenses and lodging in order to compete in an international Open Karate Tournament, in Lyon, France, on May 8.
The team, representing the International Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Sei-bu-kan Karate-Do Association of Malaysia (IOSSKAM), is registered with the Youth and Sports Ministry.
This young team brought glory to our nation by winning one gold, three silver and two bronze medals against contestants from host France and 12 other nations.
Nivashini Sivaraman, 17, won the gold medal in the 15-17 years female category and that will spur more youths to take up the sports.
But, the irony of their victory — there was no official announcement by the relevant ministry.
These young sports talents are now looking for funds to further their education in universities.
Just a few days ago, our US-based national 400m women track star, Shereen Vallabouy who was facing financial hardship in paying for her lodging expenses and other costs, appealed through her parents, Samson Vallabouy and Josephine Mary, an ex-international track star.
Better Malaysia Foundation founder and chairman, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, came to her aid with financial backing that will allow her to complete her degree in recreation and tourism.
Shereen is a potential athlete to represent Malaysia in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, 2023 Asian Games and 2024 Paris Olympics in the women's 400m.
What is heart-breaking is that, the Youth and Sports Ministry has been silent on these two matters despite outstanding performances in their respective sports.
We should help such talented athletes under the Prime Minister's slogan, Keluarga Malaysia, which embodies the concept of inclusiveness. This will motivate more Malaysians to take up sports seriously and be world beaters.
C. Sathasivam Sitheravellu
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times