Psm Plans To Introduce National Sepak Takraw Development Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM) continues to strengthen the development programme at the grassroots level in efforts to produce more talented players through the introduction of the National Sepak Takraw Development Programme (NSDP) next year.

Its president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan said the NSDP, which is a continuation of existing development programmes conducted at various levels, will adopt a more comprehensive approach in collaboration with the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Ministry of Education (MoE).

"The grassroots development programme is already running but we want to combine all those elements under the NSDP to ensure that this development programme is developed further.

"The cooperation with other bodies is an important thing so that everyone is on the same track with regards to the progress," he told reporters at the opening ceremony of the NSDP workshop, here today.

According to Mohd Sumali, Sepak Takraw's governing body has long dreamed of the sport standing on equal footing with other sports that have their own development programmes such as hockey (NHDP), football (NFDP), rugby (NRDP) and netball (NNDP).

"We have never been more serious and today's workshop was also well received with the presence of almost all state associations, representatives of NSC and MoE.

"NSC is ready to help with equipment, organising tournaments and so on," he said.

Earlier, a two-day workshop that ends tomorrow, discussed the structuring, role and implementation method of the NSDP that is to be officiated by the NSC Talent and Development Division Director Mohd Safrushahar Yusoff representing his Director-General Abdul Rashid Yaakub.

Mohd Sumali said after obtaining a resolution through the workshop, his party will make a summary in addition to the paperwork that will be presented to NSC and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh before the NSDP is officially introduced.

-- BERNAMA