Kuala Lumpur: The National Sports Council (NSC) has approved an allocation of RM334,020 for the women’s rugby team in their preparation for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand this December. The NSC announced today that the allocation comprises a full-time central training package at the Petaling Jaya Cobra Club, allowances for players and coaches, purchase of equipment, and participation in overseas tournaments.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the NSC refuted the claim by the rugby team manager that the allocation channelled to his team was insufficient, viewing his statement implying the meagre funding as inappropriate. “The amount of allocation provided is in line with the performance assessment of the current sports. Currently, the NSC is managing the programme for preparation of athletes towards the SEA Games,” it said in a statement.

The Thailand SEA Games will involve 40 types of sports that require both full-time and phased training. The NSC emphasized that it must focus more on sports with medal prospects, especially those with potential for gold medals at the 2025 SEA Games.

The NSC issued this statement in response to an allegation by team manager Tan Thiam Jin, who expressed concern over the team’s preparations. He pointed out that the NSC-approved funds only covered training in phases for 14 days and one match over a nine-month period, as reported by a local media organisation yesterday.

The council further informed that National Sports Associations (NSA) also have the responsibility to secure additional funds if there are other costs required by the national squad, stressing that it should not be solely dependent on the NSC for financial support.