Malaysian Weightlifting Federation Seeks RM1 Million Grant for Grassroots Development
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (PABM) seeks an annual grant of RM1 million to bolster grassroots development and secure future talent.
- This funding is crucial for strengthening state-level development programs and identifying new talent early.
- PABM aims to maintain the nation's legacy in weightlifting by nurturing successors for current national athletes like Mohamad Aniq Kasdan.
The Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (PABM) is actively seeking an annual grant of RM1 million to fortify its grassroots development initiatives. PABM President Datuk Ayub Rahmat emphasized that this financial support is vital to ensure Malaysia continues to produce elite weightlifters capable of upholding the nation's legacy.
We are grateful to the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (MOM), Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, who always understands and supports PABM's aspirations.
The requested funds are intended to enhance development programs at the state level. This includes assisting state associations in identifying and nurturing new talent at an earlier stage before they are integrated into the national squad. While PABM currently receives funding from the National Sports Council (MSN), the special grant would significantly alleviate management costs and expand talent scouting efforts nationwide.
Ayub Rahmat expressed gratitude to the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) President Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria for his understanding and support. He highlighted that the annual grant would not only aid the federation's administration but also empower development across various states. "Our main athletes like Mohamad Aniq Kasdan and others are aging. That's why we need to find replacements early so that the continuity of the nation's performance can be maintained," Ayub stated.
This annual grant will not only help the association's management but also empower development in the states.
PABM is not solely focused on increasing the number of athletes but prioritizes those with genuine potential for international competition. The federation believes in identifying promising athletes from a young age, providing them with quality training, nutrition programs, coaching, and international competition experience to accelerate their development. The OCM has publicly declared its full support for PABM's RM1 million annual funding request to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, recognizing weightlifting's proven potential as a significant source of international gold medals.
Our main athletes like Mohamad Aniq Kasdan and others are aging. That's why we need to find replacements early so that the continuity of the nation's performance can be maintained.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.