KUALA LUMPUR: Not all "records" in track and field events will be recognised at the Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Games which begin today.
The decision yesterday by the Malaysian Games Supreme Committee (MGSC) was greeted with mixed reaction from athletes and coaches.
The ruling has come about after "overaged" Under-23 athletes are allowed to compete in the Games which are meant for Under-21.
The Under-23 athletes are allowed to compete this time because the Covid-pandemic had led to the cancellation of the 2020 Games in Johor.
However, some track and field athletes (Under-23) will feel disappointed as their records will not be recognised in the KL Games.
The coaches from the various states raised the issue during the managers meeting yesterday, and MGSC decided that Games records set by athletes aged 21 and and below, will be accepted.
Perak athletics coach Tan Chong Mong was delighted with the news. "The athletes can now fully focus on their mission to win medals and break records. But only athletes of age of 21 and below who break records will be recognised.
"We can expect a few records to be shattered in the Games. And we hope our state athletes will be able to win three to four gold."
Selangor chief coach Narinder Singh was also pleased with the MGSC decision. "It is relief for the athletes as they prepare to give their best. We hope to see a few athletes breaking Games records," said Narinder.
One athlete in high spirit for the Games is teen sprint sensation Azeem Fahmi who ill be gunning for a national record in the 100m.
The 18-year-old from Perak has already set a national record of 10.09 in the World Junior Championships in Cali, Colombia in July. He will also aim to smash the national 200m record of 20.77 set by Russel Alexander Nasir Taib at the Games.