With Covid-19 disruptions and challenges taking their toll on national athletes, mental health will be a key factor heading into the Tokyo Olympics on July 23-Aug 8.
Most of these athletes have been living away from their families in a secure 'bubble' for the past 12 months while those who travel to competitions have been subject to constant testing.
The dreary days of living in relative isolation over long periods, fear of contracting Covid-19 and general uncertainty about the future can be mentally draining for anyone, not to mention elite athletes who need to be focused and sharp to win.
National Sports Institute (NSI) chief executive officer Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli (pic) said he is aware of the challenges they are facing and has been preparing accordingly.
"We will be sending 14 NSI personnel to provide both sports science and sports medicine services to the national contingent in Tokyo.
"Some of them will be assigned to look after the mental well-being of our athletes.
"Actually, most of the psychological aspect of preparation has already been done with the athletes here.
"These 14 people will, however, continue working with the athletes once they reach Japan."
Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said he is looking at allowing the Olympic-bound athletes to meet their families before they leave for Japan.
"It has been mentally challenging for some of them as they have not been able to meet their families," said Reezal.
"I am trying to look into making concessions. Like it or not, families can be a source of strength.
"I have ordered the National Sports Council to arrange for them to meet their families before they leave to give them added motivation going into the Games."
The majority of the national contingent will leave for Japan on Saturday.
The national sailing squad, comprising Nur Shazrin Latif, Khairulnizam Afendy, Juni Karimah Noor Jamali and Nuraisyah Jamil, left for Japan last week.