KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The RM230 million allocation for sports development, including preparations for para athletes ahead of major events like the Deaflympics Tokyo 2025, has been hailed as a 'significant boost' to inspire athletes to excel on the international stage.
Malaysian Deaf Sports Association president Ong Shin Ruenn said the allocation, announced during the tabling of Budget 2025 on Friday (October 18), has reinvigorated the motivation of the country's deaf athletes, who are currently intensifying their training for the prestigious competition, scheduled for November 15 to November 26 next year.
“Our goal is to bring home gold and with the determination shown by our athletes, it is very possible that we can secure medals. I was also pleasantly surprised that the Prime Minister mentioned the Deaflympics Tokyo 2025 during the budget presentation.
“In addition to the Tokyo event, we will also be competing in other major competitions, including the SEA Deaf Games in Indonesia and several other domestic and international tournaments,” he said, urging Malaysians to rally behind the country’s deaf athletes.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Cricket Association president Mohammed Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali described the RM1 million allocated for the development of cricket as a potential turning point for the sport in Malaysia.
“It will not only strengthen our efforts to develop cricket across the nation but also inspire a new generation of talent to become world-class stars, placing Malaysia on the global cricketing map,” he said.
Speaking during the tabling, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that over RM230 million will be allocated for the development of sports in the country. This includes podium programmes, training, the Road to Gold project and preparations for para-athletes for international events, such as the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.
To further support football development, RM15 million has been allocated to the Harimau Malaya squad, as well as the under-18 and under-13 teams in collaboration with the Football Association of Malaysia.
The government will also provide RM20 million to strengthen the e-sports ecosystem, focusing on talent development and upgrading facilities. Meanwhile, RM1 million was allocated specifically for cricket development.
— Bernama
