Having been
in the spotlight for the wrong reasons for the past week, hurdler Noraseela
Khalid stepped forward to shed light on the purported lobbying for her to be
included into the Myanmar SEA Games contingent.
There have been reports attributed to National Sports
Council Director General Dato Seri Zolkples Embong lambasting the Malaysian
Athletics Federation for not including Noraseela and Lee Hup Wei, stating that
the duo had contributed to Malaysian athletics and should be in the squad for
the SEA Games.
“To be honest I never did lobby to be included into
the team for the SEA Games,” clarified Nooraseela.
“I know my physical condition and I thought I could
record a good time at the Malaysian Open but failed to do so.
“Hence I did not qualify to be sent on merit and I
respect the decision taken by the MAF.
“Therefore I do not know why a big fuss is being
created about the SEA Games as really I should be looking beyond that.”
Noraseela said that she has met up with the NSC
Director General Dato Seri Zolkples Embong and MAF President Dato Zainal Abidin
to inform them of her plans.
“When I said that I wanted to go to South Africa, I
meant that I want to use that stint not only to improve myself physically but
also to pursue my further studies,” clarified Nooraseela when met at the CGF
Baton Run at the Lake Gardens.
“The plan is to get into shape and try to qualify for
the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games next year.
“I have time to recover from my injuries and get back
into shape as well to launch one last hurrah for my athletics career.
“I need the support of all parties, be it the NSC,
NSI, OCM and MAF and I am hoping that they will make a good decision for my
career, as running is in my blood and I want to be in top physical shape before
running at international meets.”
