Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is ready to increase the allocation for the Sports Matching Grant (GPS) to organise the Malaysia International Muay Championship (MIMAC) in the future, ensuring the event continues to be staged with excellence. Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari stated this commitment as part of the ministry's efforts to bolster grassroots sport and scout new talent to fly the nation's flag high on the world stage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohammed Taufiq mentioned that the Community Sports Fund and GPS have been utilized for MIMAC 3.0, with an approved amount of RM150,000. The event was deemed a success, and there is a plan to enhance the Sports Matching Grant beyond this year's RM150,000, as announced during the MIMAC 3.0 closing ceremony. Dr Mohammed Taufiq highlighted Muay Thai as one of the nation's promising sports, following the national squad's achievement of 10 medals at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
He expressed hope that the success would continue, particularly with the upcoming 2027 SEA Games, as Malaysia gears up to host and intensify grassroots athlete development. Dr Mohammed Taufiq conveyed to reporters the aspiration that the grant would cultivate more grassroots Muay Thai athletes through MIMAC and inspire similar events across states. He also assured a review of the outdated Muay Thai arena and training centre in the district, which require urgent upgrades to ensure athletes' welfare.
Perak Tomoi Association president Mohd Ezry Azamin Abdul Wahab noted that its 14 affiliated clubs, comprising around 2,000 members, have applied for funding to upgrade facilities and construct a main arena. National Muay Thai fighter Muhammad Nazifi Mat Nasir, known as GPY Ciko, secured victory in the 68-70kg category, claiming the belt named after Perak Malaysian Association of Youth Clubs chairman Muhammad Naim Al Amin Saharudin by defeating Morocco's Ousama Taoud via first-round disqualification.
Thailand's Phetpairin won the Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari belt, knocking out Malaysia's Iskandar Danish Mohd Ezry in the first round of the 47kg class. Additionally, Thailand's Pettikca Petpanwasa outpointed Malaysia's Tisya in the women's 49-50kg category after three rounds, and Morocco's Mehdi stopped Malaysia's Muhammad Ali Imran in the second round of the 67kg category.