Kuala lumpur: A RM1 million fund for organising the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup at Stadium Titiwangsa from May 16 to 23 comes from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Sports Matching Grant (GPS), said Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohammed Taufiq expressed hope that the funds allocated to the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM) would be utilised effectively to ensure the smooth organisation of the event while elevating the status of the traditional sport in the country. He emphasized the importance of reviving sepak takraw at the grassroots level and elevating it to the international stage.

The announcement was made after the opening ceremony of the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy Complex, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event also saw the presence of Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, Olympic Council of Malaysia President Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, and PSM President Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.

The KBS GPS initiative aims to provide matching grant assistance for the organisation of sports programmes by associations or non-governmental organisations, with the assistance provided on a reimbursement basis.

During the event, Anwar announced an additional allocation of RM2 million to PSM to strengthen the management of the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy Complex. This allocation is intended to cover the welfare of players undergoing training at the complex.

The RM6 million complex, located at Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kampung Baru, features facilities such as athlete accommodation, a gymnasium, classrooms, and training courts. Additionally, Mohammed Taufiq announced that the Malaysian National Cycling Federation received a KBS GPS fund amounting to RM825,000 to help organise the 2026 Track Cycling World Cup at the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, from April 24 to 26.