IT is not the end of the world for squash player Low Wee Wern, whose national training programme contract was not renewed this year.
The Penang-born was one of the high-profile casualties as a result of the downsizing of full-time athletes due to budget cuts.
Wee Wern, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in 2014, is currently rehabilitating from another knee surgery last year.
The former world No 5 had recently vented her frustration for being unfairly treated and disrespected in the build-up to the decision.
In justifying Wee Wern's expulsion from the programme, National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi said the NSC have been supporting the player and the unfortunate decision was due to budget cuts.
"Wee Wern had three operations in the past, and we covered the expenses of approximately RM300,000 as she went to a specialist in England," said Shapawi.
"And we have never reduced her allowances as we have always believed in her.
"After her fourth operation last year, we felt that perhaps it would have been the end of her career.
"We accept that she is a fighter, but we also wanted to monitor her recovery progress and our panel had also noted that the preparation for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games will be affected.
"And because of that, and due to her injury and a lack of results, we could not offer her a contract for 2022.
"But we've always had communication with the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM), and there has been sufficient notice.
"But it's not the end for her because if she can prove herself, come back and perform better than the younger athletes before the Commonwealth Games, then we will be more than happy to give our fair support.
"Right now it will be up to her to discuss things going forward with SRAM."
SRAM director Major (Rtd) S. Maniam indicated that the national body will try to assist players who have been dropped.
"We'll do our best to help Wee Wern, and the ball is at her feet," said Maniam.
"Our president has also indicated that we will try and source some funds for her.
"We're also going to discuss this at our management meeting to see how we can help those who had their allowances reduced."