KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Paralympic Council (MPC) insists on setting a specific medal target for its athletes who will be competing at the Paris Paralympics (Aug 28-Sep 8).
MPC today confirmed that they have set a four-gold target for the contingent in Paris, with the medals expected to come from powerlifting, badminton, athletics and boccia.
So far, 25 athletes have secured their qualification and MPC are expecting another four to secure their slots by the end of the qualification window next week.
MPC president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin said it is important for the athletes to have a clear objective to strive for.
First Admiral (rtd) Datuk Subramaniam Raman Nair will lead the paralympic contingent as chef de mission in Paris.
"As for MPC, the target we have set for the contingent is four gold medals," said Shahriman today.
"You have to set a target, this is not a holiday trip for these athletes. They are not going there to train or to gain exposure.
"This is the most prestigious competition in the world. They have to go there with the intent to win medals and prove themselves against the very best in the world.
"I am very positive they can do well in Paris as they themselves are very hungry, they want to make the nation proud. I know they will make the Malaysian taxpayers happy".
The Youth and Sports Ministry had implemented a new medal target system for the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, where the contingent was set a target of 27 medals without specifying the number of gold.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the time said this was to reduce pressure on the athletes, but the system drew criticism from various parties.
Malaysia went on to win 32 medals (six gold, eight silver and 18 bronze) in Hangzhou.
Shahriman was speaking during the 50 Days Countdown to the Paris Paralympics event held at the Paralympic Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan today.
During the event, special leisurewear for the national contingent was also unveiled. It will be used by the contingent during their travel days.
Zero Healthcare, a health and wellness equipment brand, were also presented as sponsors of the contingent to the tune of RM500,000. This is in the form of equipment and cash incentives.