Johor bahru: Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail graced the groundbreaking of a new Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) training centre, aimed at improving the professional football ecosystem in the state. The Regent was accompanied by Raja Muda Johor Tunku Iskandar Tunku Ismail and Tunku Abu Bakar Ibrahim Tunku Ismail.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JDT chief executive officer Luis Garcia emphasized the development's importance in elevating the club's game standards and quality, particularly after achieving success at both domestic and Asian levels. Garcia stated, "To build this kind of facility is what can push JDT to the next level. We had an amazing season, breaking all kinds of records and competing in the ACLE quarterfinals against teams with huge budgets, but to continue progressing, this investment is necessary."

He further explained that the centralised training centre, set to be constructed on a 39-acre (15.78 hectare) site in front of Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, will rank among the most modern football training facilities in Asia upon completion in the next two or three years. Garcia highlighted that this development reflects the ongoing vision and commitment of JDT's owner, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, to ensure the club's growth as a competitive professional football entity both domestically and internationally.

The initiative aligns with efforts to nurture local young talent and enhance sports infrastructure in Johor, demonstrating JDT's dedication to setting a new benchmark for Malaysian football and the Asian region.