THE Paris Olympics offer Malaysian athletes not only a shot at fame, but also a golden opportunity to win substantial financial rewards.
Assuming incentives remain unchanged from the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, Malaysia should continue to rank among the countries offering the largest payouts to Olympic gold medalists.
Under the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam), a Malaysian gold medal winner at the Paris Olympics stands to receive RM1 million.
According to Wikipedia's "Incentives for Olympic medallists by country" (compiled from various sources), Malaysia ranked seventh at the time of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Singapore led with S$1 million (US$737,000), followed by Taiwan at NT$20 million (US$720,000), Hong Kong at HK$5 million (US$642,500). Thailand at THB12 million (US$365,150), Indonesia at IDR 5billion (US$346,000) and Kazakhstan's at US$250,000. Malaysia's incentive was RM1 million (US$236,000).
For Malaysian athletes, particularly in potential medal-winning sports like badminton and track cycling, Olympic success could be life-changing.
If they end the nation's long wait for a gold medal, the rewards are substantial.
Beyond the RM1 million cash reward and life-time pension of RM5,000 a month, a gold medallist would receive a serviced condominium unit and a Chery Tiggo 8 Pro valued at RM159,800 as announced recently.
Additional generous rewards from state governments and corporate sectors can be expected.
This contrasts sharply with some top sporting nations. The United States offers a relatively modest US$37,500 to gold medallists while Australia provides A$20,000 (approximately US$13,000).
Several countries, including Great Britain, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden don't offer any monetary rewards for Olympic medals.
Malaysia's willingness to provide such significant incentives is understandable given its struggle to make a mark on the Olympic stage.
These substantial rewards aim to ignite the athletes' desire for success and potentially elevate the country's standing in international sports.