London Paralympic Games Athletes Can Spring A Surprise

London Paralympic Games Athletes Can Spring A Surprise - Zolkples

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's elite paralympic athletes are more prepared to face the Paralympic Games in London compared to the previous edition in Beijing, China, four years ago.

National Sports Council (NSC) Director Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong said: "They are better prepared for the event in London. The athletes have also had a more systematic training programme with the NSC having taken over preparations from the Malaysian Paralympic Council.

"Under the NSC programme, we have sent some of the athletes for overseas training. They may just spring a surprise in London."

He was speaking to reporters at the Hari Raya celebration with the paralympic athletes here.

The event was also attended by family members and friends of the paralympic athletes who will be taking on the challenge of the London Paralympic Games from Aug 29-Sept 9.

Zolklpes, who is also the Chef-de-Mission of the Malaysian Contingent to the London Games, said based on the training programme undertaken, he was confident that the athletes could improve on the one silver and one bronze performance of the Barcelona Games.

The Malaysian contingent comprises 23 athletes participating in eight sports out of the 20 to be contested in London. Among the sports seen as medal prospects are archery, athletics, powerlifting and table tennis.

-- BERNAMA

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