AARON CHIA RECEIVES RM50K FROM MELAKA FOR OLYMPIC BRONZE

MELAKA, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- National doubles badminton player Aaron Chia received an RM50,000 special incentive from the Melaka government for his success in winning the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh handed over the financial incentive today at a Prize Presentation Ceremony to honour outstanding athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and SUKMA Sarawak 2024, in Ayer Keroh, near here.

At the ceremony, the state government also presented incentives totalling RM254,675 to 110 athletes and 67 coaches for bringing honours for the state at the 21st SUKMA Games.

In his speech, Ab Rauf said the financial incentive, the largest in value compared to the previous year, will hopefully prove to be a catalyst for the athletes to continue performing and bring success to Melaka.

"The giving of the incentive also translates the state government's recognition and appreciation for the excellence of all sportsmen who participated, thereby bringing honour to Melaka's name on the world stage.

"Hopefully today's success will be a starting point for all athletes to continue making strides and create success, thus becoming a benchmark in advancing the development of this state's sports to a higher level," he said.

Ab Rauf said the state government would remain committed to strengthening the progress of the state sports industry by diversifying inclusive sports development programmes.

"During SUKMA this time, we created history when many team sports also contributed medals, among them the football team which successfully achieved the runner-up position after last entering the SUKMA finals t 34 years ago.

"I call on all sports enthusiasts and departments and agencies involved to continue to be proactive in organising, planning and formulating strategies for the preparation of big sports tournaments in the future," he said.

Meanwhile, Chia said he was thankful for the appreciation shown to him by the Melaka government.

"Thank you to the state government which always provides support in looking after athlete's welfare, which in turn gives us a shot in the arm to perform well," he said.

-- BERNAMA