Even though the sports ministry has arranged for Tokyo-bound athletes to meet their families, golfer Kelly Tan will have to miss the opportunity.
That is because she is currently involved in a competition, and will fly direct to Japan from the United States for the Olympics which start next week.
Last Sunday, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has instructed the National Sports Council to arrange for the athletes to meet with their families before they leave for Tokyo.
Reezal said the athletes, who are training in a sports bubble due to the Covid pandemic, have been away from their families, and meeting their loved ones would be a mental boost ahead of the Games.
However, Kelly who hails from Johor, won't be around as she has been based overseas since 2013, playing on the LPGA Tour.
"I only have virtual conversations with my family. I'm used to it, but it would be nice though (to meet her family in person just before the Games)," she said.
Kelly, who won the 2019 Natural Charity Classic in Florida, is currently playing in the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in Michigan.
After two rounds in the team stroke play competition, Kelly and her American partner, Lee Lopez, are tied in 31st spot at four-under-par 136. Leading the field are Thai sisters Ariya Jutanugarn (World No 22) and Moriya (World No 34).
As a final build-up for the Olympics, Kelly will compete in the Amundi Evian Championships on July 22-25 in France. Her Olympic event is on Aug 4-7 at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama.