Asum in the good books

29/12/1998

THE successes of Lim Keng Liat and Elvin Chia at the recent Asian Games in
Bangkok have set the wheels of fortune in motion for the Amateur Swimming
Union of Malaysia (Asum).
The elusive Asiad gold medal that Malaysia had been chasing for years
was finally delivered by Lim in the 100m backstroke at the Thammasat
University Aquatics Centre in Bangkok.
Buoyed by that success, the National Sports Council and Asum now want
more. And in their scramble to unearth more calibre swimmers, they have
listed 30 names for full-time training and the chance for more
international exposure.
The NSC are also ready to open the lid of their coffers for Asum.
"Since swimming is compulsory for the Asian Games and the Olympics, the
NSC are keen to promote the sport on a larger scale," said NSC director
general Datuk Mazlan Ahmad. "For a start, we have told Asum to provide us
with a plan and we will appoint a project manager who will eventually draw
a blueprint for the 2001 Sea Games.
"But we will not stop at Sea Games level. The plan will be extended for
the 2008 Olympics."
Swimming is not the only sport the NSC are keen to promote. Athletics,
another compulsory sport for the Asian Games and the Olympics, is also on
the list.
"We did not do well in athletics at the Bangkok Asiad but that does not
mean we will neglect the sport. We have instructed the Malaysian AAU to
submit their plans for the future," said Mazlan.
Lim reversed the sagging fortunes of swimming in breathtaking fashion as
his triumph not only gave Malaysia their the first gold medal but it was
also the first time a Malaysian swimmer had won in the pool at the Asian
Games. He even set a Games and national record of 55.53s.
Mazlan declined to reveal the amont of money the NSC will be pumping
into Asum.
"We have yet to agree on the amount because it'd depend on Asum's plans.
But we certainly want to improve the status of swimming and athletics to
prepare for our 2006 (Asian Games) and 2008 (Olympics) bids," said Mazlan.
Chia, who won a bronze in the 100m breaststroke, and Lim, who also won a
silver in the 200 backstroke, will continue training overseas.
For next year, the major tournaments they will be taking part in are the
World Cup in Hong Kong in April, and the Pan-Pacific meet in Sydney.
(END)