Malaysia's Road to Gold programme will be "intensified" in a bid for the country's first Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028 ©Getty Images

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim has promised the country's Road to Gold programme will be "intensified" in a bid to achieve success at next year's Olympics in Paris and then the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

The initiative was launched in March with the aim of giving Malaysia's best athletes the support they need to win medals at the highest level.

A major goal is winning the country's first ever Olympic gold medal, with Malaysia only boasting eight silvers and five bronzes to date since its debut at Melbourne 1956.

This record makes Malaysia the most successful Olympic nation never to have topped a podium.

A group of 18 athletes are currently part of Road to Gold, alongside the national hockey teams.

Badminton player Lee Chong Wei won three silver medals in a row at the Olympics with Malaysia still without a gold ©Getty Images
Badminton player Lee Chong Wei won three silver medals in a row at the Olympics with Malaysia still without a gold ©Getty Images

The scheme is co-chaired by Malaysian Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Olympic Council of Malaysia President Tan Sri Norza Zakaria.

A review of the programme was ordered in August following debate on the performance of athletes who have been included and calls for others to be added.

Anwar also called for more support for community sport in Malaysia.

An allocation of MYR40 million (£7 million/$8.5 million/€8 million) has been set aside for local sports associations to organise events.

A total of nine of Malaysia's 13 Olympic medals have come in badminton which is seen as their best chance for an elusive gold.

Lee Chong Wei won the silver medal in the men's singles at three consecutive Olympics after losing the Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 finals.