Kuala lumpur: POWERMAN Malaysia, a world-class duathlon event, is set to become a key driver for the country's sports tourism sector, especially for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. POWERMAN Malaysia Event Director Niklas Yong Tzy Foong said the event, which will take place from September 18 to 20, is targeting up to 5,000 participants from both within and outside the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this is expected to provide a significant economic impact on the local hospitality and business sectors. Yong stated, "Our participants do not only include locals but people from all corners of the world; so usually, they will attend with their spouses and children, whether as supporters or as participants themselves." Given the three-day duration of the event, attendees are likely to stay longer, exploring Malaysia and contributing to what is termed as sports tourism.
Moreover, although the POWERMAN series is also held in other countries such as Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, and the United States, Malaysia continues to hold the record for the highest number of participants globally. Yong attributes this success to the strategic and iconic location of Dataran Putrajaya, which offers suitable race routes and an organised city atmosphere.
Yong elaborated that the sports event is designed for all skill levels, from elite athletes competing internationally to amateur participants venturing into endurance sports. Each category is structured according to respective ability levels. Furthermore, the inclusion of the PowerKids programme ensures that children, alongside their families, can also participate in the event.
In addition to the cycling and running events, Yong highlighted that over 60 local and international exhibition booths will be available, featuring sharing sessions, exhibits, and activities open to the public. "From the beginning, our vision was to make POWERMAN Malaysia an event that can be enjoyed by all walks of life," he added.
Collaborations with local sports communities such as Gruppetto and Voltra have been instrumental in expanding reach and increasing public awareness of endurance sports in Malaysia. Gruppetto Sdn Bhd Managing Director Khairy Sulaiman emphasized their role as a "clubhouse partner" in POWERMAN Malaysia, noting that it is not just about branding but actively helping participants prepare comprehensively for the event. His team provides structured training programs and guides community members to ensure they are ready to both start and finish the race. "At Gruppetto, we believe endurance sports are about the journey of challenging oneself," he said, encouraging a supportive community experience for all participants.