KUALA LUMPUR – Amid serious terror threats ahead of the Paris Olympics, it is surprising to learn that security at some of the venues seems very lax.
Speaking to Scoop today, Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky admitted that he would prefer security checks to be tighter.
Rexy’s comments came after the Malaysian shuttlers visited the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, where badminton competitions are scheduled to begin on Saturday, July 27.
Three national pairs – former men’s doubles world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, women’s doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, and mixed duo Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei – checked into the official Games Village on Monday, July 22, after their one-week centralised training camp in the Northern French town of Aire-sur-la-Lys.
“Checking in at the Olympic Village was not a problem. Obtaining our accreditations was a smooth and quick process.
“However, I noticed security at the venue was not very strict. I don’t know, perhaps it will be tighter closer to the Games? I sure hope so,” said Rexy.
The former Olympic and world champion also pointed out a couple of other concerns at the Olympic Village, including the limited halal food options at the main dining hall.
“The rooms are small and there is no air-conditioning, but our chef de mission has assured us that we will be provided with air coolers.
“Other than that, I noticed the limited halal food options at the main dining hall. When we came to the hall at night after training, there wasn’t much food left,” added Rexy.
Yesterday, Scoop reported about Malaysia House, a Road to Gold (RTG) initiative, which serves as a one-stop support service centre for the Malaysian contingent, based at the Hampton Hotel in Paris.
Among the support services offered at Malaysia House are local Malaysian food and cuisines.
The service centre, once fully operational beginning tomorrow, will be accessible to the Malaysian contingent round the clock. – July 23, 2024