IPOH: The deplorable state of accommodation issue that affected some of the athletes at the ongoing Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Ipoh, Perak, is still a hot topic of discussion among members of state contingents who are currently competing at the Games.
In fact, with some of the accommodation having mattresses, toilets and lockers in such a sad state of affairs so much so it could not be inhabited, there was also the fact that it was a breeding ground for mosquitoes which unsettled the athletes who were affected.
So it is not surprising that there those from state contingents who are competing at the Games that instead chose to stay at budget hotels or homestays for peace of mind and to focus on performing to the best of their abilities in their respective competitions.
"Now only the badminton athletes from Kelantan, Perlis, Pahang, and Sarawak are staying at the Ipoh Industrial Training Institute (IITI) while the other teams, with the help of their respective State Sports Councils and state Exco members, have left the institute’s accommodations and are staying at nearby budget hotels and homestays.
"We are concerned about the Kelantan badminton players who have been forced to stay in accommodation that is in a deplorable state and nowhere near conducive for such high performance athletes,” said Kelantan Badminton Association president, Dr. Naharuddin Hashim when contacted by NSTP Sport earlier today (Wednesday).
The 19th edition of the Games sees the host state of Perak organising competitions in all 12 districts across the state and dividing the contingents according to their respective competition venues.
"We are also worried about the woeful accommodation preparation because Perak will also be organising the Paralympiad Games at the same venues, and it has to be pointed out that logistics as well as accommodation for special needs athletes needs the best attention and utmost commitment,” stressed Dr. Naharuddin.
He also said that the accommodation at IITI was actually an alternative means of accommodation that was provided after earlier locations had to be changed due to the deplorable state of conditions which led to many other state contingents opting to find their own accommodation that was much better for the athletes.