Fireworks explode at the Stadium Bukit Jalil during the SEA Games opening ceremony. Reuters Photo
PUTRAJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry (KPT) is promising a special reward for those athletes from institutions of higher learning (IPT) who contribute to the medal tally at the ongoing 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games (KL2017).
Its minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the quantum and type of reward would be announced soon.
At the Games this time, athletes from the IPT are competing in 33 events out of the 38 types of sports offered for contest.
“In appreciation, we will determine how the incentive can be given so that the medal contribution and patriotism of the athletes to the country will continue to rise,” Idris told reporters after attending the 2017 National Day celebration at the ministry level, here today.
So far, the IPT athletes have contributed 39 gold, 31 silver and 27 bronze medals in various events such as archery, rhythmic swimming, netball and sailing, he said.
“The feat proves that the ministry does not only concentrate on excellence in the academic sector, but also gives priority to sports,” he said, adding that 264 out of the 874 Malaysian athletes participating in KL2017 were IPT students. – Bernama