{
  "id": 4078036,
  "title": "Taufiq: Haze not disrupting athletes' preparations for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Gamess",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/taufiq-haze-not-disrupting-athletes-preparations-for-aichi-nagoya",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T01:26:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/08/1521070/taufiq-haze-not-disrupting-athletes-preparations-aichi-nagoya-asian"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Youth and Sports Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, has confirmed that the current haze situation is not disrupting the preparations of national athletes for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, which are set to take place from September 19 to October 3. Dr. Taufiq revealed that appropriate guidelines have been established to ensure that athletes' preparations continue unhindered while their health and well-being are maintained. He mentioned that the worsening haze situation was discussed in a recent Cabinet meeting, and the haze levels will be closely monitored. The minister emphasized that the haze is being used as a guide and that consultations with the National Sports Institute (ISN) have been held to ensure that athletes' preparations are not disrupted. Dr. Taufiq noted that outdoor training activities will be reduced, with more training sessions shifting to indoor facilities such as stadiums and halls. The priority is to ensure uninterrupted preparations for the athletes while protecting and maintaining their health, he added. Furthermore, Dr. Taufiq shared that a motorcycle convoy, which involved nearly 400 participants, took place, starting from the Sidam state constituency, proceeding to Pantai Merdeka, and concluding at Bakar Arang. Along the way, stops were made to engage with the local community, and the Jalur Gemilang was distributed to instill a sense of patriotism among the people.",
  "summary": "SUNGAI PETANI: The current haze situation is not affecting preparations of national athletes for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from Sept 19 to Oct 3, said Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.",
  "key_points": [
    "Haze situation not disrupting athletes' preparations for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.",
    "Guidelines established to ensure uninterrupted training and athlete health.",
    "Outdoor training reduced, shifted to indoor facilities to protect athletes."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}