Kuala Lumpur:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's strategic use of sports as a medium for diplomacy and economic growth has been pivotal in re-establishing Malaysia on the global sporting stage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, analyst Prof Dr Mohd Mizan Mohammad Aslam from the Global Peace Institute, London, emphasized the multidimensional role of sports in enhancing international ties, boosting economic activity, and fostering a sense of national pride. The return of Formula 1 to the Sepang International Circuit after nine years and Malaysia's secured broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are key examples of this approach.

Mohd Mizan highlighted that Malaysia's hosting of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, due to geopolitical issues in West Asia, showcased the international aspect of sports diplomacy. This event, supported by Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, was more than a commercial engagement. It facilitated diplomatic interactions, exemplified by Bahrain's Crown Prince Prince Salman's visit to Malaysia and his meeting with Anwar during the race.

Anwar's participation in the Formula 1 event further underlined the diplomatic opportunities created by such spectacles. It reinforced bilateral relations and attracted a global audience to Malaysia, not through a summit, but via a world-renowned sporting event.

Public enthusiasm for Formula 1's return was evident, with nearly 100,000 tickets sold for the three-day event. The economic impact was significant, with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture estimating up to 300,000 tourists, including 50,000 international visitors, contributing to an economic impact of RM1.3 billion through associated spending.

In football, the government's initiative to ensure access to the 2026 FIFA World Cup was noted as a domestic facet of sports diplomacy. With RTM and Unifi TV broadcasting all 104 matches, supported by a RM26.2 million investment, the move illustrated sports as a tool for social inclusion and shared national experiences.

Mohd Mizan concluded that sports, under Anwars direction, have become a vital component of diplomacy, extending beyond traditional methods to engage the world through events like Formula 1 and FIFA, thus enhancing Malaysia's global sporting presence.