PUTRAJAYA: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday issued a stern warning to national athletes who under-performed at international meets.

“Those who perform below their capabilities at international cham-pionships will be given the boot as we will not compromise on their attitude since they receive the best training from coaches including periodical overseas stints,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Ismail Sabri said a number of foreign coaches had expressed disappointment over the lack of commitment and determination among some national athletes who take their places for granted.

“Athletes must show a high level of responsibility, determination and commitment as the ministry invests heavily on the preparation of athletes and we do not want the money to be wasted,” he said.

It does not matter whether they (athletes) are involved in individual or team sports, the most important thing is to show their full commitment, he said.

— Bernama