KUALA LUMPUR – The Terengganu Gymnastics Association (TGA) has received RM100,000 from the National Sports Council (NSC) to upgrade its present equipment and develop the sport in the state.
In a statement today, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said she held a meeting with TGA on Tuesday, which was attended by its president, Abdul Razak Mat Amin, TGA committee members, and parents of the state’s gymnasts.
The meeting addressed several issues, including the state’s female gymnasts, who are barred from competing in Sukma due to the sport’s dress code, and how to resolve the situation.
Hannah said she will meet with the Terengganu sports body to reach an understanding of the best solution for the good of the female gymnasts in the state.
“At the same time, the ministry discussed efforts to further empower gymnastics in Terengganu.
“The ministry agreed to distribute RM100,000 in aid to TGA through the NSC to improve current equipment so the sport can develop and grow in the state.
“NSC will also assign a female coach to the Bukit Payung Gymnastics Hall in Terengganu in order to identify more female gymnasts and provide them with a more systematic training routine.
“This is to ensure that future athletes who are interested in participating in the sport have access to training and exposure without any barriers,” she said.
Hannah added that the state’s gymnasts are wearing full-body unitards, which is in line with International Gymnastics Federation dressing guidelines.
“The International Gymnastics Federation allows for dressing that covers the body except for the palms and bottom of the feet.
“The full-body unitard has been worn by many gymnasts, including the German women’s team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Even the country’s former gymnast, Izzah Amzan, has worn the full-body unitard to win medals for the country at the Vietnam SEA Games and Birmingham Commonwealth Games,” she added. – October 28, 2023