Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia to Open New Facility
Kuala Lumpur, March 11 – After a long wait, the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) can finally breathe a sigh of relief as they prepare to open their new facility, the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy Centre at Stadium Jalan Raja Muda in Kampung Baru. The centre is expected to be fully operational by June, following renovations to the stadium.
Renovations Needed
PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan stated that renovations are necessary to ensure the facility functions effectively as an academy. "We have used the stadium for small programmes in the past. We will work to enhance it further to ensure it functions effectively as an academy," he said in an interview with Bernama.
Meeting with Youth and Sports Minister
The good news follows a meeting between Mohd Sumali and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, as well as National Sports Council (NSC) deputy director-general (sports development) Jefri Ngadirin and PSM representatives. Mohd Sumali expressed his gratitude for the commitment of Hannah and her ministry, as well as NSC and the National Sports Institute (ISN) in fulfilling PSM’s aspiration to establish its academy.
Alternative Plans Considered
Prior to this development, PSM had planned to have its own stadium and had identified several possible locations in the Klang Valley. However, last October, Mohd Sumali considered establishing a sports academy instead of owning a stadium. The association has since secured a nine-year lease to manage the ISN-owned stadium until 2034.
National Sepak Takraw Development Programme
Mohd Sumali also announced that the National Sepak Takraw Development Programme (NSTDP) will be launched next month. He described the programme as a significant milestone for traditional sports, particularly in nurturing young talents at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
The opening of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy Centre marks a major milestone for the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia, providing a platform for athletes to develop their skills and compete at the national and international level. With the support of the Youth and Sports Ministry, NSC, and ISN, PSM is poised to take sepak takraw to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy Centre be fully operational?
The centre is expected to be fully operational by June. -
What are the renovations needed at the stadium?
The stadium still needs many upgrades, including air conditioning installation. It may take two to three months to open the academy there. - What is the National Sepak Takraw Development Programme?
The National Sepak Takraw Development Programme is a new initiative aimed at nurturing young talents in sepak takraw at the grassroots level.