KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will be represented by 26 athletes at the Paris Olympics, which will take place between July 26 and Aug 11.
National contingent chef de mission Datuk Hamidin Amin said it was unlikely that there would be more additions to the contingent.
Malaysia Aquatics today confirmed that diver Ooi Tze Liang, who they had hoped could secure an additional quota in Paris, did not receive a slot from World Aquatics.
"From what I was told this morning, 26 athletes is the final number. There will not be any more (additions) after this," said Hamidin today.
"I believe this is one of the smallest contingents we have sent to the Olympics.
"However, every athlete I have met — from (Datuk Mohd) Azizulhasni Awang (track cycling) to Nur Dhabitah Sabri (diving), who was the last to secure a place in Paris — is incredibly committed.
"We hope the contingent can do something (special) for the country."
The Paris contingent is the smallest contingent Malaysia has sent to the games since Athens 2004.
Previously, 32 athletes represented Malaysia at Tokyo 2020, 32 at Rio 2016, 29 at London 2012, 32 at Beijing 2008, 26 at Athens 2004, 40 at Sydney 2000, 35 at Atlanta 1996 and 26 at Barcelona 1992.
The smallest contingent sent was during Seoul 1988 (nine athletes).
Hamidin declined to comment on the official medal target that would be set for the contingent.
"The Youth and Sports Minister (Hannah Yeoh) will announce the target soon and elaborate in more detail. I do not want to precede her," he said.
Despite the current political unrest in France, Hamidin is confident the contingent's safety will not be compromised during the games.
"The (French) government and the International Olympic Committee have shown strong commitment when it comes to safety," said Hamidin.
"I am confident the athletes will be closely guarded by the security officials within the games village, as well as at the training and competition venues."
Thousands took to the streets in Paris yesterday following the results of the French parliamentary elections, which some celebrated while others protested.
A number of riots were reported in the city.
Hamidin was speaking after the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) sponsorship presentation event with Samsonite Malaysia at Wisma OCM today.
Samsonite has been appointed as the official luggage sponsor for the national contingent competing at the Paris Olympics.