KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's sports officials have opted for the appliance of science in their quest to achieve the country's first Olympic gold medal in London next year.

The National Sports Institute (NSI) has brought in 46 sports science specialists under their "Road to London 2012" programme, Malaysian media reported.

The seven sports to receive the high-tech support are badminton, soccer, cycling, archery, diving, shooting and hockey.

NSI director-general Ramlan Aziz said that the scientists would be responsible for tailoring their expertise for the individual needs of Malaysia's elite athletes.

Malaysian officials will invest in the specialised programme to improve conditioning, psychology, bio-mechanics, match analysis, dietician and technical support.

"It depends on the quota set by organisers for the London Olympics," he told Malaysia's Bernama news agency, referring to the number of specialists who will travel to the 2012 Games.

"The more Malaysian athletes eligible to compete, the more specialists we can bring along with out contingent. The need for sports science specialists for each sporting event varies."

Badminton alone will be allocated no fewer than 14 specialists, with the rest divided equally among the other six sports, Aziz added.