KUALA LUMPUR – The government has agreed to classify combat sports as a “sports activity” in schools.
The decision was made at the Sports Development High Level Committee meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today.
As combat sports were previously classified as a “uniformed body activity”, this classification ensures that combat sports athletes in schools get the same recognition as with other sports.
The government will also encourage the creation of swimming and athletic clubs in schools with potential to recruit students and unearth new grassroots talents.
Annual competitive tournaments at the school and university levels will also be held across all education sectors including private, tahfiz, and all other educational institutions through district school sports councils and the Malaysian School Sports Council.
The Youth and Sports Ministry through the National Youth and Sports Department will activate the promotion of Rakan Aktif, a core Rakan Muda programme in schools.
The implementation of this promotion will help introduce the new spirit of Rakan Muda to emphasise elements of self-development such as patriotism, volunteerism, culture, moral education, leadership development, skills, and entrepreneurship.
The Youth and Sports Ministry’s Federal Sports Scholarship is under the Higher Education Ministry and coordinated by the Youth and Sports Ministry including in terms of scope, terms, and provisions.
The National Sports Institute’s role is to expand, coordinate, and organise coaching education and licensing programmes for teachers and coaches under the Education Ministry and Higher Education Ministry.
The Community Sports Fund application of RM20 million is extended to clubs and associations under the Health Ministry and Welfare Department to implement the national health agenda at the community level.
All of the agreed resolutions comprise the first step taken by all members of the first meeting held to ensure that the government can unearth new talents from the youth, especially in combat sports, athletics, and swimming. – The Vibes, June 7, 2023
