Malaysia is currently listed as among 15 countries which will reward their athletes who bag the gold medal in the Paris 2024 Olympics, with up to six-figure bonuses.
According to Forbes, Malaysia is ranked top five with the highest six-figure bonus, coming in fourth place at $214,000 (RM992,634).
“Regardless of where they land on the podium, Malaysian competitors are entitled to a pension for life, ranging between roughly $400 (RM1,855) and $1,100 (RM5,101) a month,” Forbes was quoted as saying.
Hong Kong tops the list offering a whooping $768,000 (RM3.5 million) for gold medalists while Israel was listed second for their $275,000 (RM1.2 million) reward for those who won the gold and in third place is Serbia with $218,000 (around RM1 million) for their gold medalists.
The New Straits Times reported earlier that the first Malaysian Olympic gold medalist will become an instant millionaire, with RM4 million offered plus a luxury serviced apartment worth RM1 million.
The prize money was generously sponsored by Malaysian businesses to the victorious athlete who clinches the first Olympic gold on top of RM1 million from the government.
These contributions were made in addition to the RM1 million through the National Sports Incentive Scheme (SHAKAM).
Yinson Holdings contributed RM1 million while RM500,000 was pledged by Matrix Concepts Holdings Berhad and MJ Health Screening Centre each.
If the gold medal winners come from a team event, the reward will be divided equally among them.
Additionally, electronics chain Senheng has pledged RM1 million to shuttlers Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik and Chen Tang Jie, who were part of its SS Bakat Badminton Programme, if they win gold medals.
All Olympic medallists will also receive a reward in the form of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) by China’s automotive brand, Chery.
Now, who do you think will be the first Malaysian Olympic Gold Medalist?
Find out who are the Malaysian athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics at the link here.
