Kuala lumpur: The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has thrown its full support behind the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation's (MWF) request for an annual RM1 million allocation from the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) to further strengthen the sport's development in the country. OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the request was both timely and well justified, given weightlifting's emergence as one of Malaysia's most reliable gold medal prospects on the international stage.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Norza emphasized the importance of continued financial commitment to sustain the momentum, enhance athletes' welfare, and nurture the next generation of champions. He stated that OCM remains committed to supporting the sport through various avenues, including the Olympic Solidarity Programme, development assistance from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and direct funding via the OCM Trust Fund.

Recently, MWF president Datuk Ayub Rahmat called for an annual allocation of at least RM1 million, stating that it would serve as both recognition and a catalyst to further elevate the sport following the national weightlifting team's outstanding performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Malaysia dominated the weightlifting competition at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, held from July 26 to yesterday, finishing as overall champions with a haul of five gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.

The five gold medals were secured by Mohamad Aniq Kasdan (men's 60kg), Muhamad Aznil Bidin (65kg), Muhammad Erry Hidayat (79kg), Muhammad Hafizuddin Roslin (88kg), and Muhamad Syahmi Nor Ghazali (94kg). Mohamad Norza also congratulated the national weightlifting team and the MWF for their outstanding achievement in Glasgow. In addition to the impressive medal haul, the MWF was awarded the prestigious Trafalgar Trophy as the Best Overall Men's Weightlifting Team at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation Congress in Glasgow last Friday.

He acknowledged that the historic achievement reflected the clear vision, commitment, and strategic planning of the federation under Ayub's leadership, supported by its office-bearers, coaches, athletes, sponsors, and strategic partners.

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