HAVING to forgo the joy of Hari Raya Aidilfitri from having to isolate themselves from the outside world in a sports ‘bubble’ at the National Sports Council Complex in Kuala Lumpur, is one of the challenges that the Hanoi SEA Games-bound athletes have had to contend with.

The athletes involved can afford a smile as they have been informed about the flexibility given to their parents to meet them during the auspicious festival which is scheduled to be celebrated on May 3 and 4, according to the Malaysian contingent’s chef de mission, Nur Azmi Ahmad.

“As the athletes are already here (the bubble), they are tightly controlled including during Aidilfitri. They will not be allowed to return to their respective homes even though Aidilfitri.”

“Nevertheless, parents are allowed to meet the athletes for a period of two to three hours as set by the National Sports Council (MSN),” he said.

Asked about the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Malaysian contingent while in Vietnam, he said they had been given a stern warning to “follow the SOP to the letter”.

“We will follow the SOP set there. Team managers and coaches have been to told to ensure that athletes comply. No free-roaming will be allowed whether on the part of athletes, management or coaching staff,” he said.

 Malaysia are sending a 864-strong contingent comprising 589 athletes and 217 officials to the Hanoi Games, scheduled to take place from May 12 to 23.

Malaysia will participate in 37 types of sports out of 40 on offer involving 338 events out of a total of 526. – Bernama, April 25, 2022.