KBS To Streamline Athlete Rehabilitation Protocols For Optimal Readiness

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is working to streamline the national athlete rehabilitation system through a more comprehensive approach to ensure their health and readiness are given due consideration before they return to competition.

Its minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen the support system for national athletes, particularly through sports science and sports medicine.

He said KBS had also recently developed guidelines on the matter to improve the management of rehabilitation and support for athletes during their recovery.

“We already have a system, and we want to streamline it and develop a comprehensive ecosystem. This applies to all athletes, and we have recently developed guidelines on the matter.

“We hope these measures will help better coordinate support for our athletes and improve their rehabilitation and recovery through sports science,” he said when asked whether KBS planned to standardise rehabilitation protocols to ensure athletes returned to competition based on medical assessments rather than pressure to achieve results.

He was speaking after officiating at the appointment letter presentation ceremony for members of the National Sports Institute’s (ISN) Sports Medicine and Sports Science Board, as well as the launch of its Performance Psychology & Wellness Centre and upgraded High Performance Rehabilitation Centre at Bukit Jalil here today.

On the need to strengthen the role of sports medicine specialists in determining athletes’ readiness to return to competition without being influenced by performance pressure, Dr Taufiq stressed the importance of discussions among all relevant parties before decisions were made.

“That is why we hold discussions between ISN, coaches and other parties. Ultimately, we want a sound and comprehensive decision. This is why strengthening the role of the National Sports Institute is extremely important,” he said.

In high-performance sports, some athletes continue training or competing despite injuries, highlighting the importance of careful injury management and rehabilitation to reduce the risk of further complications.

This also underscores the need for comprehensive medical assessments before athletes are cleared to return to competition, ensuring their health and physical readiness are not compromised in the pursuit of peak performance.

Earlier, ISN strengthened its sports medicine and sports science services through the appointment of members to its Sports Medicine and Sports Science Board and the launch of its upgraded Performance Psychology & Wellness Centre and High Performance Rehabilitation Centre.

The initiatives aim to improve support for injury recovery, athlete well-being and readiness through an integrated, sports science-based approach, helping athletes return safely to training and competition.

The Sports Medicine and Sports Science Board is chaired by Datuk Seri Dr Zulkharnain Ismail, with ISN chief executive officer Dr Vellapandian Ponnusamy serving as an institute member, alongside specialists from various sports medicine and sports science disciplines.

Established under Section 17(1) of the National Sports Institute Act 2011 (Act 729), the board plays an important role in upholding professional standards, accountability and the development of both fields in line with the evolving demands of high-performance sports.

-- BERNAMA