KUALA LUMPUR — The Sarina Rhythmic Gymnastics Club (SRGC) is taking a bold step to empower young girls through the exciting world of rhythmic gymnastics with the launch of the Piala Puteri Championship slated for December 12-17 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
SRGC founder, Sarina Sundara Rajah said the championship is not just a showcase of skills and athleticism, but also a platform for amateur rhythmic gymnasts to shine while expressing their unique personalities.
She believes it is more than just a competition as it is also a powerful tool for fostering camaraderie, unity, and fair play among young athletes.
Speaking to Scoop, Sarina emphasised that the Piala Puteri Championship is designed to bridge local and international talent, promoting global representation and gender equality in sports.
“This event opens doors for young women and girls across Malaysia to embrace rhythmic gymnastics, contributing to their positive development while advancing women’s participation in sports,” she said.
Sarina, a 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, stressed that the competition offers accessible opportunities beyond school, enabling young talents to elevate their expertise in rhythmic gymnastics.
“Our goal is to raise the profile of women’s sports, particularly rhythmic gymnastics and lay the groundwork for increased participation and professionalisation.
“This will ultimately create a safe, inclusive, and empowering sporting environment where personal goals are respected, and achievements are celebrated,” she added.
The Piala Puteri Championship also aspires to become a catalyst for the sports tourism industry, fostering economic growth through direct and indirect spending in the community.
Sarina added it encourages local community engagement, making it a win-win for both sports enthusiasts and the region’s economic development.
She hopes that organising the event will inspire a younger generation of active, confident children who carry forward the ideals of self-empowerment.
Additionally, she aims to raise awareness and interest in women’s sports and secure financial investments to expand the talent pool, creating a more equitable and sustainable playing field.
To promote the championships, SRGC has lined up a series of activation events, including a master class featuring the four-time world champion, Tamara Yerofeeva from Ukraine.
The inaugural event is driven by SRGC in strategic partnership with the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS).
Piala Puteri also enjoys the support of its Royal Patron, Selangor Princess Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who shares the mission of empowering girls through rhythmic gymnastics.
The Piala Puteri Championship is privately funded and seeks strategic, long-term partnerships to harness the transformative power of sports. — September 3, 2023