KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) is poised to revolutionise the Malaysian Open Athletics Championships by introducing a rotational hosting system, starting with Pahang this year.
Speaking to Scoop, MAF vice president, Datuk Mark Ling, said that this initiative aims to foster widespread sports development and cultivate new talents across all states.
For the upcoming edition, the Pahang Amateur Sports Association (POAP) will host the championships from June 14 to 16 at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan, making it a key part of the ongoing Super Series calendar which began in March.
“We had discussions with them (POAP), and we found out that the new Pahang Stadium has been certified with the latest facilities. At the same time, we want to develop more athletes, particularly from the eastern side of the Malaysian peninsula, such as Kelantan and Terengganu.
“So, they offered to host it, and it will be held from June 14 to 16.
“This marks a departure from hosting the event in a single location, such as the federal territory. Instead, we aim to encourage states to develop athletes.
“We will be moving from one state to another for future editions. After this, our plan is to host the event in all different states, focusing on those with available stadiums.
“It is important to respect all states and source athletes from diverse regions,” said Mark.
Previously, MAF had considered hosting the championships at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
However, concerns about venue suitability, particularly due to damage to the pitch from hosting concerts, led to a re-consideration.
Additionally, the Malaysia Rugby Union (MRU) had planned to use the same stadium for Malaysia’s match against Hong Kong in the Asia Rugby Championship on June 8.
Due to logistical issues, the venue was relocated to the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Stadium in Serdang.
As such, MAF views this change positively, anticipating a beneficial impact on sports development, particularly on the east coast.
Notable Southeast Asian athletes, such as Muhammad Azeem Fahmi and Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli, are expected to take part in the event, further enhancing the event’s prestige.
Furthermore, MAF revealed that several countries from around the region have expressed interest in participating in the championship, as it also serves as a qualification event for the Paris Olympics.
Hosting the Malaysian Open Athletics Championships outside Kuala Lumpur is not unprecedented, as the Tuanku Syed Putra Stadium in Kangar, Perlis, hosted the 2011 and 2014 editions. – May 28, 2024