Penang: The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has approved an allocation of RM50,000 through the Sports Matching Grant (GPS) to support the organisation of the Penang Invitational Judo Championship, reaffirming its commitment to the development of judo in Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol said the contribution reflects the government's continuous efforts to strengthen the country's sports ecosystem, particularly in nurturing combat sports at both grassroots and international levels. He noted that the championship has grown significantly since its inception in 2018, evolving from a small club-based competition into an international platform attracting participants from across the region and beyond.
The championship, which Deputy Minister Mordi described as more than just a competition, provides athletes with opportunities to showcase their abilities on a global stage while contributing to the development of the sport. He emphasized that judo, which highlights values such as respect, discipline, and perseverance, plays an important role in shaping character, especially among young athletes.
The event, held at Sunshine Central, saw a huge turnout, indicating the strong interest Penangites have for combat sports. The three-day championship, which began on Friday, attracted 720 participants from 10 countries, including Malaysia, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Also present were the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang Machida Shinya, Malaysia Judo Federation deputy president Dr. Jeffery Louis, and Penang Sports Council director Harry Chai.
Meanwhile, Mordi mentioned that the government, through the MADANI GPS, has allocated RM30 million for 2026 to support the organisation of world-class sporting events in the country. He added that the sports industry continues to be a key economic contributor, generating RM49.5 billion, and urged more stakeholders to collaborate with the ministry in further developing a dynamic and inclusive sports ecosystem. Such efforts, he said, are crucial in preparation for the 2027 SEA Games, with Penang set to be one of the host locations for the regional multi-sport event.