KUALA LUMPUR: Chef de mission Datuk Hamidin Amin has advised Paris Olympic-bound Malaysian athletes to avoid social media until the completion of the Games, scheduled for July 26-August 11.
"I have advised these athletes not to check their social media accounts if they are not mentally strong. I reminded them that preparing for the Paris Games is paramount," said Hamidin in Petaling Jaya today.
"We are aware that the public has high expectations, and it is something athletes have to learn to manage."
Currently, 18 Malaysian athletes have qualified for Paris 2024
Meanwhile, Hamidin said a favourable draw will see the national shuttlers, including Lee Zii Jia, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, do well in Paris as they have proven their quality on the World Tour.
"It is important that our players receive a good draw in their respective events. BA of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria shares a similar perspective on our chances at the Paris Olympics.
"Sometimes the top-ranked players are drawn against each other in the early round or the same half of the draw. Regardless, I am still confident our badminton players will do something at the Olympics.
"Our players are still good enough to reach the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and finals, so we have to push on.
"Zii Jia, the Thailand Open champion and Malaysia Masters finalist, is regaining his groove, while Aaron-Wooi Yik and Pearly-Thinaah are doing well. I hope they will work harder to peak form in Paris."
Hamidin disclosed that Olympic-bound sailor Nur Shazrin Latif (wrist) and track cyclist Shah Firdaus Sahrom (shoulder) are receiving treatment at the National Sports Institute for injuries.
Zii Jia, who suffered cramps during the Malaysia Masters, is also being treated by his own team.
Hamidin met with weightlifter Aniq Kasdan, sailor Khairulnizam Afendy and cyclist Nur Aisyah Zubir to discuss plans leading up to the Olympics.