KUALA LUMPUR: Funds were not flowing in, but sailor Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy's spirits were ot dampened.
He went ahead and competed in the ILCA 7 World Championship at Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, earlier this week. Khairulnizam finished a creditable 33rd out of 152 sailors.
However, the 30-year-old claimed that he did not receive assistance from the National Sports Council and the Malaysia Sailing Association for the competition in Adelaide.
"Alhamdulillah, I have completed the battle at the ILCA 7 World Championship by finishing 33/152 which is my personal best," posted Khairulnizam on social media.
"My mission to qualify for the Olympics is delayed for now and there's still a chance for me to qualify by competing at the 'Last Chance Regatta' (in Hyeres, French), which will be held in April.
"I have to thank my family who had always supported me and helped me financially to compete in this competition after not receiving any support from the NSC and national association for this important competition.
"I'm grateful to have assistance from Thailand's coach during training and the races because there were no coaches sent here by the NSC and the association.
"With all the obstacles and challenges, I still managed to compete and reach the final and only four points short of qualifying for the Olympics.
"InsyaAllah, I will continue the hard work in April and there will be better news there," said Khairulnizam who had competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2016 Rio Olympics and 2012 London Olympics.