Kuantan: The Women To Women Sports Coaching Symposium 2026, which begins today, is seen as a key initiative to strengthen the involvement of women in sports leadership and coaching in the country. The initiative by the National Sports Institute (ISN) brings together experts, researchers, and delegates from the ASEAN region to share knowledge and best practices in the development of women's sports.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Mordi Bimol emphasized that the symposium is not merely a formal gathering, but a strategic shift to bridge the gap between scientific research findings and practical application in coaching. 'This symposium is more than just a meeting of minds. It is a strategic platform to ensure evidence-based knowledge directly benefits athletes and coaches, while empowering women as leaders in sports,' he said. He made these remarks after officiating the symposium, which was also attended by ISN Board Chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Zulkharnain Ismail and ISN Chief Executive Officer Dr. Vellapandian Ponnusamy.
The symposium, themed Coaching Her Potential: Performance, Purpose and Progress, also involves the participation of industry partners committed to empowering women's development in sports. Mordi stated that the event aligns with the Women in Sports Action Plan 2026-2030 and urged the sports community to continue supporting the development of female coaches by providing opportunities for knowledge enhancement and leadership.
Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held between ISN and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), which also saw the launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Professional Certificate Programme in Sports Technology. The programme combines multidisciplinary expertise - involving sports science, engineering, and artificial intelligence - with the support of industry practitioners from ISN to ensure practical application in high-performance sports. The Women To Women Sports Coaching Symposium 2026 is scheduled to take place until this Thursday.