THE global health crisis has shuttered stadiums, swimming pools and fields, disrupting national athletes' training.
For those in university, it's double the struggle as they need to strike a balance between their sporting responsibilities and academic demands at home.
Renowned Malaysian diver Leong Mun Yee, 35, is pursuing a master's degree in corporate communications at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Earlier this year, she decided to defer her current semester to focus on her sporting commitments, especially the much anticipated and now-postponed Tokyo Olympics.
"This turn of events has affected some of my future plans including my studies. But on the positive side, I now have the chance to spend more time with my family."
Set to resume her studies in September, Mun Yee does not rule out another semester deferment next year for the Olympics.
"The university would understand. Whenever I needed to go for training camps or competitions, UPM always lent their support."
With over 25 years of experience, Mun Yee recently won silver with Pandelela Rinong at the Montreal World Series in February.
Confined to her home, she makes do with the small above-ground pool at home.
"Every day, I would do strength and fitness training according to the programme given by my coach. We would video-call too. I also do yoga and dance for cardio training.
"Now I think the postponement doesn't seem to be a bad idea, as we haven't been able to train as per normal for two months."
As she awaits instructions to return for training, Mun Yee said that health remains the number one priority.
"We need to maintain our fitness so that it will not be difficult to get back on track. Hopefully the virus will be curbed soon," she said.
With lessons moved to virtual platforms, national sprinter and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) sports science student Muhammad Aqil Yasmin can manage his two commitments easily.
During Ramadan, he reserved the tougher regimens for night time after breaking fast.
"Online classes will only take place three days a week, normally from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. I appreciate that my lecturers will always show their concern and ask about our progress in sports."
In March, the athlete, who won a gold medal in 100m in the 2018 Asean University Games, underwent surgery for anterior cruciate ligament. Being proactive and following the coach's instructions are crucial to stay in shape, he said.
"We have to be professional. Currently, I'm focusing on rehab with daily updates from my physiotherapist on the training programmes that I can do at home," said Muhammad Aqil.
When the pandemic first broke out, national hockey player and UPM human development student Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan just started his national camp training.
"All of a sudden, we had to take a break. Keeping our momentum up during this difficult period is not an easy task."
For the past two months, Syed Mohd Syafiq has been following a daily home-based training that focuses on strength and conditioning.
"Maintaining our fitness is very challenging. We couldn't go out to run during the Movement Control Order so we had to look for other ways to build up our cardio."
While the situation has taken a toll on him emotionally, he tries to remain positive.
"As athletes, we're committed to the sports and we live for it and for our country. The inability to train can be frustrating but it's better to be safe than sorry in this pandemic."
On the bright side, the pandemic has given Syed Mohd Syafiq some room to breathe.
"I can now focus fully on my studies and assignments, while following the training programmes. I also took the opportunity to spend more time with my family.
"I'm also thankful that UPM has given athletes a lot of assistance so that we can commit to both our studies and training."
National underwater hockey player Pavinya Ramachandran, 19, is pursuing a financial engineering degree at Multimedia University.
Her dreams to go to the Bali Invitationals and Selangor Invitationals this year were dashed by Covid-19.
"On one hand, I'm happy because I would have more time to prepare. But I was really looking forward to these competitions as they would be a stepping stone for my career."
She hopes to return to the water soon once the health situation improves.
"Land training only helps me maintain my endurance and stamina but not gain them. My team has been my biggest motivation to grind hard every day. We usually work out together through video calls.
"I have been trying to be creative with my training and controlling my diet. The advice from my coaches and gym instructors has helped me stay healthy."
During the pandemic, Pavinya tries to be more flexible.
"My classes end at different times every day, but I still manage to squeeze in my training. Whenever I'm loaded with assignments, I would reduce my workout time but increase the intensity."
In the beginning, it was hard to adjust to staying at home.
"I'm now definitely coping well. I'm grateful that MMU provides mental support to their students through counselling sessions. I can't wait to return to campus."
UPM Sports Centre head Dr Hanafiah Ayub said the university is committed to support its student athletes.
"These include providing a flexible academic schedule for athletes like Leong Mun Yee, to maximise their performance.
"In addition to exposure to competitions, intensive training and professional certifications, UPM provides coaching for selected sports categories. Athletes are also given mentoring," said Hanafiah.
On May 19, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the restrictions regarding training for Olympic-bound athletes will be eased starting from June 1. Athletes will be allowed to train while adhering to strict standard operating procedures.
