Malaysian athletes are not strangers to the international stage, as prominent figures such as Pandalela Rinong, Lee Chong Wei, and Azizulhasni Awang are inspiring the future of Malaysian sports for our fellow youths. Compared to overseas athletes, some may argue that Malaysians have a sizeable difference when it comes to our physiques, which may be a contributing factor to how we are perceived.
A recent viral photo of the Malaysian Beach Volleyball Youth Team at the AVC Pingtan Open in China has become a hot topic of discussion among netizens as they debate the significant size difference between the Chinese team and the Malaysian Youth team. The Malaysian youth team had competed in the open category of the competition to gain important points for the under-21 World Championship qualification that will take place in June.
The photo consisted of the country’s young pair, Nur Azwa Qariesya Mohammad Noor Aizuddin, 16 years old, and Rachael Goh, who competed in the under-19 category side-by-side with the Chinese opposing team, Xue Chen, 35 years old and a four-time Olympian and 23-year-old rising star, Zeng Jin Jin. Despite their significant difference in experience and size, the young pair had competed fiercely but struggled to provide competition to the opposing team. They lost with a result of 0-2 to China and 0-2 to Japan.
The post made on the Malaysian Volley Association (MAVA) page has since been a hot topic of discussion among netizens who note the notable size difference. The comments were divided, with some commenting on the lack of correct nutrients provided to national athletes as the cause of the contrast in physique. Facebook user Amir Tumiran points this out by commenting, “The country needs to improve the nutritional quality of its people along with the modernisation of the nutrition program of developed countries”.
Not all agree with this sentiment, as others defend the status of these young athletes by supporting their achievement of braving their way through the match despite the disparity in experience and age. The MAVA has since released a statement condemning irresponsible media coverage and public harassment of young athletes to curb the issue of cyberattacks.
Sources: Asian Volleyball, Facebook
Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
