Transfer of Talent

The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is dedicated to ensuring that talent development is not limited to just one sport. This approach aims to support athletes who have less potential to represent the national team in a particular sport.

Minister’s Vision
KBS Minister, Hannah Yeoh, has emphasized the need to assist athletes in transferring to another sport, thereby ensuring that the efforts of parents who send their children to be active in a particular sport are not wasted. She explained that sports require athletes to start training at an early age, with rhythmic gymnastics being one of them. However, not all children will grow up to represent Malaysia in their chosen sport.

Preventing Waste
Hannah expressed her concern that the initial investments made by parents may go to waste when their children realize they are not good enough to represent the country in their preferred sport. "I do not want the initial investments made by the parents to go to waste when the children realise they are that good in that particular sport," she said.

Collaboration between Academies
Hannah commended the positive steps taken by the Rythmic Excellence Academy, founded by Malaysian Gymnastics Federation vice-president Petrina Low, and the diving academy in Bukit Jalil, in collaboration with former national diver Datuk Leong Mun Yee. Such collaborations are ideal for athletes to switch to another sport, Hannah said.

Studying Implementation
The National Sports Council, together with the coaches, is studying ways to implement the initiative. Hannah believes that successful examples of athletes who have excelled in different sports can inspire and motivate others to follow a similar path. For instance, former national men’s singles badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei initially took up basketball, while national wushu queen Tan Cheong Min played badminton first.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to promoting a flexible and adaptive approach to talent development, recognizing that not all athletes will excel in their chosen sport. By allowing athletes to transfer to another sport, the Ministry aims to minimize waste and provide opportunities for athletes to reach their full potential. This initiative can also foster collaboration between different academies and sporting bodies, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable sporting ecosystem in Malaysia.

FAQs

Q: What is the objective of the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ new initiative?
A: The initiative aims to allow athletes to transfer to another sport if they are not good enough to represent the national team in their chosen sport, thereby ensuring that the efforts of parents are not wasted.

Q: Who is responsible for studying ways to implement the initiative?
A: The National Sports Council, together with the coaches, is studying ways to implement the initiative.

Q: Can you provide an example of athletes who have successfully switched sports?
A: Yes, examples include former national men’s singles badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who initially took up basketball, and national wushu queen Tan Cheong Min, who played badminton first.