KUALA LUMPUR — The Youth and Sports Ministry has affirmed its commitment to promoting and supporting emerging sports, with a strong focus on diversifying the nation’s sporting landscape.
The ministry, through the National Sports Council (NSC), has been providing funds and recognition through various channels and initiatives to support new sports.
Speaking to Scoop, NSC athlete division director Jefri Ngadirin said the ministry is aware of the latest trending sports across Malaysia and is working diligently to fulfil the sports association’s requirements.
“Our dedication to fostering new sporting disciplines in Malaysia is evident through our continuous efforts.
“Additionally, we have worked closely with the youth community throughout the years and are aware of the sports in which they are interested and have been giving support and recognition on many occasions.
“New sports like breakdance, skateboarding, wall climbing, and e-sports have immense potential, and the ministry recognises this by providing crucial financial and infrastructural support throughout the years.
“Through grants and partnerships, we have helped them organise national tournaments and coaching programmes, allowing the respective sport to flourish,” he said.
Jefri also said that the NSC is working closely with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) to look at the prospects and future of athletes from these new sports and help them represent Malaysia in major sporting events in the future.
“I understand that a few sports associations, such as the Dancesport Association, were disappointed with the ministry for not sending some of their athletes to compete in the ongoing Hangzhou Asian Games.
“The process of selecting athletes to participate does not fall under NSC, as it’s under the jurisdiction of OCM as they decide athletes’ participation.
“OCM has its own selection criteria, and we at NSC have actually circulated the details of the criteria to all the sports associations in Malaysia. I have no idea why this is an issue.
“Athletes are required to participate in OCM-recognised competitions to ensure they meet the selection criteria,” he added.
Currently, there are 58 active sports associations in Malaysia that are registered under OCM.
The ministry recently recognised jombola, a new sport that combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. — October 5, 2023.