Kuala Lumpur: All parties, including teachers and coaches, are urged to play a big role in ensuring that the management of the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) 2025 championships runs smoothly and is free from any untoward incidents.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Education director-general Azman Adnan said they have a big responsibility in ensuring a sports environment that is free from sexual harassment, physical and psychological abuse, oppression, neglect, bullying, and grooming. Azman emphasized the need for such an atmosphere to develop the potential of student athletes to an optimal level, urging coaches to focus on environmental and physical safety including the prevention of environmental and physical safety.
He highlighted that the management of MSSM requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, covering various aspects such as planning, implementation, and evaluation. This includes improvements in the participant registration system, venue and facilities management, financial management, as well as a more transparent and fair court system.
Azman also pointed out that information technology needs to be fully utilized to improve management efficiency, for example, through registration systems, data management, and direct online decision notification. The use of data and performance analysis are important elements in improving tournament management. The data collected throughout the tournament, such as participation statistics, athlete performance, and competition results, need to be analyzed to identify strengths and weaknesses in tournament management, using these findings to make improvements for future tournaments.
He added that MSSM is not just a competition but a platform to unearth talent, shape personality, and produce a generation of outstanding athletes. Azman noted the success of MSSM 2024, which recorded the participation of 15,963 individuals, comprising 12,259 students and 3,704 officers. He expressed the aim to increase participation this year and emphasized the need for a concerted effort from all parties to promote the MSSM Championships effectively, with the Ministry of Education (MOE) focusing on involving less active students in at least one sports activity.
In a separate press conference, the Director of the Sports, Co-Curriculum and Arts Division (BSSK) of the MOE, Ithnin Mahadi, mentioned that the MOE is studying and discussing the proposal to include futsal in the upcoming MSSM Championships. Discussions have been held with futsal practitioners regarding this proposal, as futsal activists in the country have previously expressed disappointment over the lack of a 'recognized' tournament for the sport at the school level and within the MSSM Championships.
The MSSM 2025 Championship is scheduled to start in May and end in September, involving 14 states as the organizers of the 24 sports contested.