Invest in future gold medallists
ASSESSING Malaysia’s recent shrinking numbers in podium medal winners, I believe the country is struggling at all levels, from regional competitions like the SEA Games to broader events like the Asian Games.
We are not even doing well in sports we were previously considered relatively good at like badminton, squash, athletics, swimming, diving, football and hockey; only cycling has showed some promise.
With thin ranks, we have no skilled and prepared athletes to step up when injury or illness or retirement occurs. It is time to invest in a nationwide grassroots sports development programme to scout for, target and train youngsters to recapture the standard of excellence Malaysia achieved in the 1970s and 1980s.
We must begin with a rigorous physical education curriculum for all Malaysian schoolchildren that builds and develops skills progressively on a daily basis; this must be implemented from the early grades through to graduation. Not only would we be preparing future champion athletes, we would also be creating a fitter, healthier population.
To implement such an expansive programme, it is crucial to have specialised training for all physical education teachers, coaches and trainers. Today’s sports training includes sports science for conditioning and rehab for injuries, and sports psychology for building mental toughness and resilience.
As talented athletes progress, training and equipment costs will increase concurrently. It is essential to have some form of support in place so we do not lose our finest and brightest because of financial hardship. We want to create a framework that makes continuing through to the highest levels of competition an attractive option for the athletes and their families. It is a worthwhile investment for our country to eventually be represented in international competition with podium-worthy performances.
In addition to a rigorous school athletics programme, we must support community adjunct sports camps that offer children the fun of developing various skills and participating in games that build confidence and camaraderie. These camps are currently primarily run by former champion athletes and coaches who donate their time on weekends and for special events.
One outstanding group of this type is the Young Talent Track and Field organisation which began with a programme at the Ipoh Padang every weekend. The events are now enthusiastically attended by over 100 youngsters, aged between six and 12, along with their families. Corporate sponsorship, donations and community fundraising are funding these excellent opportunities to encourage young athletes.
Other Asian countries have also established nationwide grassroots training programmes with dramatic results. India began four years ago with programmes in every village in every state. At last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games, India’s athletes won an unprecedented 107 medals.
Beyond all-inclusive training programmes, Malaysia must invest significantly in upgrading sports venues and training facilities. They must be outfitted with top-quality equipment to give athletes the best chance for optimal performances in elite competitions.
These facilities must be managed by highly skilled, experienced professionals, not civil servants. This investment will pay for itself by attracting sporting events that draw fans from all over the country and beyond.
The crowning reward for all this hard work and targeted investment will be the joy and patriotic pride that will fill every Malaysian’s heart as we celebrate victories together without regard to race, religion or economic standing – as one unified nation under the Jalur Gemilang, singing the beautiful Negaraku together.