Grassroots focus vital alongside high-performance success, says NSC chief

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must balance high-performance sports programmes with grassroots talent development to sustain success at the highest level, says National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Jefri Ngadirin.

He said the RM460 million allocated for national sports development in the 2027 Budget would support high-performance initiatives, the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, para and deaf athletes, as well as the maintenance of sports facilities nationwide.

Jefri, in a media statement, said sustained investment was crucial to ensuring athletes received systematic support in training, sports science, sports medicine, competition exposure and welfare.

"Achieving success at the highest level requires long-term planning and consistent support. Efforts to strengthen high-performance programmes must therefore go hand in hand with grassroots talent development, so that we not only produce athletes capable of achieving success today but also prepare the next generation," he said.

Jefri also welcomed the RM240 million allocated for preparations to host the 2027 SEA Games and Asean Para Games, saying the events would provide an opportunity to showcase Malaysia internationally and strengthen national unity.

He said hosting the Games would also allow Malaysian athletes to capitalise on home advantage, provided they received the best possible preparations.

"Hosting both Games provides an opportunity to elevate Malaysia's image on the international stage, showcase the country's capabilities and strengthen unity among the people.

"At the same time, we want to ensure our athletes receive the best possible preparations so they can make the most of competing on home soil and deliver performances that make the country proud," he said.

The NSC also sees the RM30 million Sports Matching Grant as an opportunity to expand the organisation of quality competitions by sports associations, clubs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Jefri said the initiative could give athletes greater competitive exposure while encouraging cooperation between the government and the non-governmental sector.

He also welcomed a 50 per cent increase in funding for school sports activities to RM27 million, which is expected to benefit more than 4.6 million pupils across about 10,000 schools nationwide.

He said participation in school sports was important in nurturing a healthier, more active generation while creating opportunities to identify and develop future sporting talent.

On public participation, Jefri said the expansion of individual tax relief to cover sports equipment, including sports shoes, could encourage more Malaysians to take part in physical activities and make sports part of their daily lives.

He said the NSC would continue working with national sports associations, state sports councils, schools, clubs and other stakeholders to ensure the initiatives were fully utilised.

"Our goal is not merely to win medals or successfully host an event, but to build a sustainable, inclusive and competitive sports ecosystem for the excellence of our athletes and the benefit of the people and the country," he said.