NSA Has Duty To Find Additional Funding And Not Just Rely On Allocation From NSC

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- The National Sports Council (MSN) has approved an allocation of RM334,020 for the women's rugby team in their preparation for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand this December.

The NSC announced today that the allocation comprise a full-time central training package at the Petaling Jaya Cobra Club, allowances for players and coaches, purchase of equipment and participation in overseas tournaments.

The NSC therefore, refuted the claim by rugby team manager that the allocation channelled to his team was insufficient and viewed his statement implying the meagre funding was inappropriate.

“The amount of allocation provided is in line with the performance assessment of the current sports. Currently, the NSC is managing the programme for preparation of athletes towards the SEA Games,” it said in a statement.

The Thailand SEA Games involves 40 types of sports that need full-time training and also phased training.

“Therefore, it is certain that the NSC will have to focus more on sports with medal prospects, especially gold medals at the 2025 SEA Games,” added the statement.

The NSC issued the statement in response to an allegation by team manager Tan Thiam Jin that his team’s preparations were at a worrying level, following the fact that the NSC-approved funds only covered training in phases for 14 days and one match over a nine-month period, which was published by a local media organisation yesterday.

The council informed that National Sports Associations (NSA) also have the responsibility to find additional funds if there are other costs required by the national squad without pointing fingers at the NSC.

-- BERNAMA