Kuala lumpur: Work to upgrade the Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz Sports Complex in Kampung Baru, transforming it into the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy, is anticipated to be completed within three months, according to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. The RM6 million project aims to establish the venue as the most comprehensive sepak takraw training center in Asia, underscoring Malaysia’s role as a traditional sports leader in the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hannah emphasized the decision to enhance the existing facility rather than building a new one, highlighting the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this approach. Her remarks came during a working visit to inspect the ongoing academy upgrade. The academy will feature a range of facilities, including athlete housing, a gymnasium, learning spaces, and training courts, all conveniently located under one roof.

Hannah also noted that this would be the first exclusive sepak takraw academy in Asia, and possibly the world, symbolizing Malaysia’s leadership in heritage sports within the region. She outlined the ministry’s significant financial commitment to the development of sepak takraw, with funding through various initiatives such as the Sports Matching Grant and Community Sports Fund. These schemes allocated RM9 million in 2023, RM8 million in 2024, and RM6 million for the current year.

Of the RM6 million designated for the project, RM5.5 million is earmarked for infrastructure upgrades, with the remaining RM500,000 dedicated to facilities and equipment. Hannah also extended an invitation to sponsors for naming rights, citing the substantial viewership potential of sepak takraw, especially as Malaysia competes on the global stage.