Accra:Despite the RM730 million allocated for national sports development and management, there remains uncertainty about its effectiveness in fostering a new generation of athletes capable of representing Malaysia at the Olympic Games.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, sports analyst Datuk Dr. Pekan Raml highlighted the importance of extending the focus beyond elite athlete preparations to fortifying the grassroots sports ecosystem, particularly at the school level, for more systematic talent development.
He pointed out that while the budget may seem significant, a considerable portion is dedicated to preparations for the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia, as well as the development of high-performance sports and sports facility maintenance. Pekan emphasized that without the SEA Games, the funding would revert to normal levels, which may not suffice for substantial changes.
The RM460 million portion of the budget dedicated to high-performance sports and the Road to Gold (RTG) program is crucial for ongoing athlete preparation for major tournaments, including the mission to win Malaysia's first-ever gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Pekan stressed the need for long-term planning to consistently produce quality athletes, rather than relying solely on the current elite group. This involves prioritizing grassroots development to ensure talent identification is not limited to current athlete achievements or sport popularity but is guided by a clear vision to produce world-class athletes.
He recommended channeling part of the sports development funds towards providing basic facilities in schools, such as athletics tracks, to encourage more students to engage in sports from an early age. He also warned against using funds merely for organizing activities, emphasizing the necessity of structured development programs with clear targets and directions.
Pekan advocated for a more strategic approach to funding high-performance athletes, suggesting that sports programs be designed with short- and long-term goals in mind, with funding tailored to each phase's needs. This would help prevent disruptions in athlete development due to shifting budget priorities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the Budget 2027 announcement, allocated RM240 million for the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games preparations, RM460 million for national sports development, including high-performance initiatives, and RM30 million for the Sports Matching Grant to support sports events organized by associations, clubs, and NGOs.