KUALA LUMPUR – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has dismissed claims that the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Taliban-led Afghanistan is seeking ties with Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Ministry to bolster its global image.
“As far as the ministry is concerned, there has been no such thing, nor an application (to meet),” said Hannah firmly.
Her response follows a recent Scoop report which highlighted that Afghanistan’s NOC had expressed interest in collaborating with Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Ministry. The report claimed such a partnership could help the Taliban-led nation improve its international standing.
Despite facing global condemnation for its human rights record, particularly its treatment of women and girls, Afghanistan’s NOC has been working to position itself within the global sports community.
However, Hannah clarified that there has been no contact or approach from the Afghan NOC, which she said during a press conference held at her office to announce updates on the 2025 Sports Matching Grants (GPS), the Community Sports Fund (DSK), and the National Sports Trust Fund (KWASN).
She revealed that the ministry has introduced revised guidelines for applications next year to streamline processes and promote greater transparency. Among the key updates are restrictions ensuring that only National Sports Associations (NSAs), and not private companies, can apply for matching grants.
Additionally, from 2026 onwards, the ministry’s approval will be required before any bids to host international tournaments can proceed.
“Previously, there were instances where bidding was done without the ministry’s approval. Some of these events were poorly organised, tarnishing Malaysia’s reputation. We cannot allow this to happen,” Hannah emphasised.
For 2025, RM30 million has been allocated for the GPS program, while RM25 million has been set aside for the DSK and KWASN initiatives. – December 19, 2024