Johor Bahru: The Johor government is contemplating the idea of appointing sports legends as basketball sports ambassadors to enhance the sport’s popularity among youth, particularly within the state. This initiative aims to inspire and motivate young people to actively participate in sports.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, the chairman of the State Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee, emphasized that this approach could serve as a catalyst for youth engagement in basketball. He mentioned that the plan involves consulting with the Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) to identify suitable athletes and legends who can positively influence and motivate young basketball enthusiasts.

Mohd Hairi hinted at the possibility of collaborating with the Johor Sports Council or personally reaching out to Datuk Lee Tian Hock, the president of MABA, to discuss potential candidates for the ambassador role. His remarks came during the launch of the 59th MABA-MATRIX Under-17 National Championship, which was inaugurated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

This proposal is part of a broader strategy within the Johor Sports Nation 2030 agenda, which includes initiatives like the Bangsa Johor Sports programme. This programme aims to introduce a variety of sports across all state constituencies, reinforcing Johor’s commitment to promoting a world-class sports culture.

In April, the state appointed national badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei and two-time World Rugby Cup champion Sonny Bill Williams as Johor Sports Ambassadors, symbolizing the state’s dedication to fostering a robust sports environment.