Kuala lumpur: The government has allocated RM1.1 million under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (SHAKAM) to reward Malaysian athletes who won medals at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari announced the allocation, highlighting it as a form of appreciation for the athletes' sacrifices and the pride they brought to Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the incentive for gold medalists is set at RM80,000, with an additional RM10,000 for those who break the games record. Silver and bronze medalists will receive RM40,000 and RM20,000, respectively. Dr. Taufiq mentioned during a welcoming ceremony at Kuala Lumpur International Airport that the National Sports Council (NSC) is considering increasing these rewards with additional funds from the corporate sector.
The Minister also noted the team's success in bringing home eight gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, attributing it to a strategic shift within the ministry. This new strategy involves setting colour-based medal targets to motivate athletes, emphasizing gold as a primary focus. Dr. Taufiq expressed confidence that this approach would pave the way for Malaysia's first Olympic gold medal in the future.
Dr. Taufiq acknowledged that there were initial concerns about the pressure of setting colour-based targets, but the strategy ultimately boosted athletes' morale. Discussions with sports associations, coaches, and athletes informed this decision, ensuring a concentrated effort on winning gold medals.
Malaysia's performance in Glasgow is among its best since 2010, with the national contingent surpassing its initial target of five gold medals. Despite a smaller team size compared to previous games, the achievement holds significant meaning for the nation.
Datuk Awalan Abdul Aziz, Malaysia's Chef de Mission and President of the Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation, shared insights into the internal aspirations of the lawn bowls squad. Although gold medals were hoped for, they were not set as official targets to avoid undue pressure. Nevertheless, the squad's performance in Glasgow, winning two silver and two bronze medals, surpassed their results from the Birmingham 2022 edition.
Overall, the national contingent exceeded all individual colour-based medal targets, a testament to the dedication of the athletes and coaching staff.