KUALA LUMPUR: Responding to criticism, Malaysia's chef de mission, Datuk Hamidin Amin, revealed that the additional accreditations requested by independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia for the Paris Olympics were granted.
Earlier, fans had questioned the Olympic Council Malaysia (OCM) after a picture of its president, Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria, with his wife and son was posted on social media, prompting concerns about the distribution of accreditation cards.
However, OCM clarified that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allocates special VIP accreditation passes to its affiliate members for multi-sport Games, noting that VIP pass holders have limited access.
It was reported that world No. 6 Zii Jia, who won the men's singles bronze medal, had requested additional accreditations for his sparring partner and physiotherapist.
However, there were no updates on the matter at the time.
Hamidin said the accreditations were handed to Zii Jia's management team before the shuttler left for Paris.
"Zii Jia had requested two additional cards for a sparring partner and a physio. The OCM worked to acquire the cards and was successful in its efforts.
"The cards were handed to his team before they left Malaysia. The sparring partner and physio were at the athlete's village along with coach Wong Tat Meng," said the OCM deputy president in Paris on Sunday.
Hamidin also clarified the issue of shuttler Goh Jin Wei's coach, Nova Armada, not receiving an accreditation.
He explained that, following discussions between Nova, Jin Wei, and the BA of Malaysia (BAM), the coach had decided to stay back in Malaysia.
"Nova agreed to stay back and prepare his para-shuttlers for the Paralympics. This is why he did not join Jin Wei in Paris.
"During the discussion, BAM coaching director Rexy Mainaky agreed to assist Jin Wei during her matches at the Olympics," Hamidin added.
Nova is currently preparing Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou for his title defence in Paris.
He is also preparing Muhammad Fareez Annuar for his Paralympic debut.
Previously, Jin Wei claimed she was heading to Paris without Nova, as her efforts to secure an accreditation card for her coach had been unsuccessful.
Fans had criticised the OCM for failing to secure the accreditation for Nova.
Jin Wei's campaign in Paris ended in the group stage.