KBS GPS Provides RM1 Mln For Sepak Takraw World Cup - Mohammed Taufiq

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- A RM1 million fund for organising the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup at Stadium Titiwangsa here from May 16 to 23 comes from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Sports Matching Grant (GPS), said Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

Mohammed Taufiq expressed hope that the funds allocated to the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM) would be utilised effectively to ensure the smooth organisation of the event while elevating the status of the traditional sport in the country.

“Insya-Allah, as hosts, we will once again revive sepak takraw at the grassroots level and elevate it to the international stage. That is the most important thing,” he said.

He told reporters this after attending the opening ceremony of the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy Complex, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here today.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria and PSM president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan.

The KBS GPS aims to provide matching grant assistance for the organisation of sports programmes by associations or non-governmental organisations.

The assistance is provided on a reimbursement basis.

Earlier at the event, Anwar announced an allocation of RM2 million to PSM to strengthen the management of the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy Complex.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the allocation would cover, among others, the welfare of players undergoing training at the complex.

The RM6 million complex, located at Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kampung Baru, is equipped with various facilities, including athlete accommodation, a gymnasium, classrooms and training courts.

Mohammed Taufiq also said the Malaysian National Cycling Federation received a KBS GPS fund amounting to RM825,000 to help organise the 2026 Track Cycling World Cup at the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, from April 24 to 26.

-- BERNAMA