Malaysia allows athletes to resume preparation for Tokyo Olympics

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's government has given green light to athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to resume their activities, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is in charge of the enforcement of restrictive measures against COVID-19, told a press conference that approval was granted to 265 individuals including 57 athletes to resume training.

The training sessions would be conducted at three training camps and those involved would not be allowed to leave the camps and have to undergo COVID-19 tests, he said.

"The first phase of the centralized training camp will be from June 1 to 30, and COVID-19 screening will be conducted during registration," he said.

The Tokyo Olympics were scheduled for this year but have been delayed till summer 2021 due to the pandemic.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia said the lifting of restrictions for athletes was made as the international calendar for the Games has resumed, adding that the country's athletes would have sufficient time and opportunity to prepare.

"The health and well-being of our athletes and officials remain our priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process," the statement said.