KUALA LUMPUR – The national weightlifting programme is set for a boost of more than RM1 million, with the government agreeing to strengthen facilities, coaching and athlete development following the team’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari said the additional support would focus on building a stronger weightlifting ecosystem, particularly at grassroots level and in the development of female athletes.
The national weightlifting team returned from Glasgow with seven medals — five gold, one silver and one bronze, making the sport the biggest medal contributor to the Malaysian contingent.
“I would once again like to extend my highest congratulations to the entire national weightlifting team for their outstanding achievement at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Taufiq said.
He said the Youth and Sports Ministry had taken note of the Malaysia Weightlifting Federation’s (PABM) request for an additional RM1 million in annual funding to strengthen the sport’s development.
The request was discussed at the National Sports Council (NSC) Management Board meeting on Aug 13, where the board agreed in principle to consider the proposal.
Following further discussions between NSC and PABM, both sides reached an agreement on several forms of assistance and improvements involving additional funding of more than RM1 million.
Among the measures is the upgrading of the Rompin Weightlifting Training Centre in Pahang, with plans to develop it into the National Weightlifting Centre of Excellence.
A full-time coach will also be appointed at the centre, with a specific focus on developing female athletes.
The number of weightlifting athletes under the NSC Development Programme will also be increased after the Selangor 2026 Sukma, prioritising athletes identified as having high potential and meeting the required selection standards.
In addition, a full-time strength and conditioning officer will be appointed to support the national squad in physical development, performance and systematic athlete preparation.
Taufiq said greater emphasis would also be placed on female athlete development, including talent identification, long-term development and preparation of high-performance athletes.
The ministry will also work with the Education Ministry to strengthen weightlifting at school level, including through competitions and efforts to establish weightlifting as one of the sports under the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM).
Other initiatives include the organisation of Weightlifting Talent Championships involving state athletes, as well as more courses to increase the number and competency of coaches and technical officials.
“NSC and PABM will also hold regular discussions on coaching requirements for programmes under MSN,” he said.
Taufiq said the Glasgow achievement had demonstrated the sport’s significant potential to continue developing and producing international success.
“These forms of assistance and improvements are not only recognition of the team’s current achievements, but also a long-term investment in building a stronger weightlifting ecosystem,” he said.
He added that the ministry and NSC remained committed to working closely with PABM to produce more high-performance athletes capable of achieving success and bringing glory to Malaysia on the international stage. – August 18, 2026