Parliament: 26 Athletes Qualify For Olympics So Far

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- Twenty-six athletes from seven sports have so far qualified on merit for the London Olympics in July, the Dewan Negara was told Thursday.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said they were eight in diving (aquatic), badminton (six), archery (four), track cycling (three), highway race (cycling) (two), shooting (one), fencing (one) and weightlifting (one).

"We are awaiting the International Aquatics Federation's decision on swimmers who qualify under the B category," he said when responding to a question from Senator Datuk Mohammed Najeeb Abdullah.

Ahmad Shabery said the country was banking its gold medal hopes on shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei and cyclist Azizulhasni Awang.

Azizulhasni, 24, who is dubbed the 'Pocket Rocketman' is ranked second or third in the world's keirin event and could give world's keirin champion Sir Chris Hoy, 36, a run for his money, said Ahmad Shabery.