KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has emphasised the importance of keeping Malaysia's medal hopefuls injury-free ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Yeoh made this statement after being asked whether men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik could be considered Malaysia's gold medal prospect in Paris.
The duo reached the All England final on Sunday, where they were defeated 21-16, 21-16 by defending champions Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto of Indonesia in 44 minutes.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik are focused on the Road to Gold (RTG) programme," said Yeoh today.
"We witnessed their performance yesterday (Sunday).
"From what I see now, the most important thing for us in the run-up to the Olympics is to ensure that they do not pick up any injury.
"They must be very careful and avoid getting injured; this is of great importance. The same applies to our cyclists.
"As we have announced, all top-up facilities requested by RTG athletes have been provided. From now until July, it is in their hands."
In addition to Aaron-Wooi Yik, track cyclists Azizulhasni Awang and Shah Firdaus Sahrom have also been earmarked as potential medallists in the men's keirin event.