Kuala lumpur: Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) secretary-general Datuk Dr K. Nagulendran has been instructed to reassess the Sports Matching Grant (GPS) application submitted by the Malaysia Karate Federation (MAKAF). The request pertains to the allocation for the WKF (World Karate Federation) Karate1-Series A Kuala Lumpur 2025 Championship in Nilai, scheduled for October.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh acknowledged the legitimacy of the complaint raised by MAKAF president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad, as reported by the media. She emphasized that the championship is of international caliber and involves a significant number of athletes. Although the Sports Matching Grant Committee, chaired by the KSU at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, makes the decisions, Yeoh empathized with Nur Azmi's dissatisfaction, noting that karate is a key sport for potential medal returns and revenue generation for the country.
The media reported yesterday that Nur Azmi expressed disappointment when KBS approved only RM450,000, which he deemed insufficient compared to the RM1.5 million needed to organize the tournament in Nilai. Moreover, the funds have not yet been disbursed despite the tournament's completion. This inadequate funding also led to declining the WKF's offer to host the international tournament again next year due to lack of support.
Minister Yeoh reiterated her understanding of MAKAF's situation and requested the KBS secretary-general to reconsider the GPS allocation to aid in organizing the tournament proposed by WKF next year. She also suggested improvements to GPS by considering unclaimable expenses, such as broadcasting fees for international tournaments, which are mandatory according to global standards.
Additionally, Minister Yeoh highlighted the need to introduce sepak takraw to children as young as seven. She proposed creating basic instructional videos to teach techniques quickly and ensuring each participant of the Sepak Takraw Perpaduan Kaum Basic Sports Training Course (KLAS) receives a ball for home practice.
These recommendations, she noted, would be escalated to higher authorities, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Sports Development. Collaboration with the Ministry of Education is also sought to expand KLAS success in schools nationwide.
Sepaktakraw Federation of Malaysia (PSM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan expressed hopes that KLAS would uncover new national talents from diverse racial backgrounds in the future. The event today saw participation from 147 students from various local schools, illustrating a commitment to fostering sports talent among the youth.