KUALA LUMPUR – The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has thrown its full support behind the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation’s (MWF) call for an annual RM1 million allocation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), following the national team’s historic success at the XXIII Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said the funding request is justified after Malaysia’s weightlifters delivered one of the country’s standout performances at the Games, winning seven medals comprising five gold, one silver and one bronze.
The achievement was further capped by the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation being awarded the prestigious Trafalgar Trophy as the overall best-performing men’s weightlifting team at the XXIII Commonwealth Games. The honour was presented during the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation meeting at the Hilton Glasgow on July 31.
“On behalf of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (Commonwealth Sport Malaysia), I extend my heartiest congratulations to the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation and the weightlifting team on their magnificent performance at the recently concluded XXIII Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026.
“The weightlifting team contributed seven medals to the Malaysian contingent, comprising five gold, one silver and one bronze, marking a landmark achievement that has brought immense pride and glory to our nation,” Norza said.
He said the achievement reflected the federation’s strong leadership under its president Ayub Rahmat, as well as the collective efforts of its office bearers, coaches, athletes, sponsors and supporting partners.
“This historic triumph is a testament to the vision, dedication and strategic foresight of the leadership of the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation, admirably led by its president Datuk Ayub Rahmat, and supported by its dedicated office bearers, coaches, athletes, sponsors and other supporting partners,” he said.
Norza stressed that OCM fully supports the federation’s proposal for KBS to provide an annual RM1 million allocation to strengthen the sport’s long-term development.
“In recognition of this outstanding success, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (Commonwealth Sport Malaysia) fully supports the request by the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation for an annual allocation of RM1 million from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to further strengthen the development of weightlifting in Malaysia.
“This proposal is timely and well justified, as weightlifting has unequivocally established itself as a reliable gold medal prospect on the international stage. A sustained financial commitment is essential to maintain this momentum, enhance athlete welfare and nurture the next generation of champions,” he said.
Norza added that OCM remains committed to supporting the sport beyond domestic funding by leveraging international development opportunities.
“The Olympic Council of Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment and will continue to facilitate the development of weightlifting through all available channels, including leveraging international grants under the Olympic Solidarity Programme, tapping into developmental resources provided by the Olympic Council of Asia and extending direct assistance through the Olympic Council of Malaysia Trust Fund,” he said. – August 3, 2026