With the new dates (Aug 24-Sept 5, 2021) for the Tokyo Paralympics, the Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPC) are ready to restructure their preparation.
Similar to the new schedule for the Olympics, the timing of the Paralympics has been postponed by almost exactly a year by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Tokyo Paralympics Organising Committee due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The original dates for the Paralympics were Aug 25-Sept 6 this year.
MPC president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin welcomed the new dates.
“This is great news for all of us. I believe IPC and Tokyo Paralympics Organising Committee have taken everything into consideration in deciding on this new dates,” said Shahriman yesterday.
“The safety of the athletes, officials and public are of utmost importance. MPC will adhere to the guidelines in place.
“I believe our para athletes are also aware of this announcement (new dates) and are looking forward to competing in the games.
“It (new dates) also makes it easier for us as well as the National Sports Council and National Sports Institute in restructuring our training programmes, be it in terms of training, nutrition and other aspects of sports science.”
Malaysia did well to win three gold and one bronze medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.