Retain Team Events For 2027 SEA Games, Says Tennis Coach Muliyadi

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- National tennis head coach Muliyadi Jamal wants the men's and women's team events to be retained for the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia to boost the country's medal quest.

He said this was brought up at the meeting with the National Sports Council (NSC), with discussions also revolving around early planning and the proposed events for the biennial Games.

"I have urged the higher-ups to keep the men's and women's team events. As for the individual events, they will decide, and the association (Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia) will hold talks with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the NSC.

"If possible, let's retain the seven events (men's and women's singles; men’s and women's doubles; men's and women's team; and mixed doubles) held at the Bangkok SEA Games last year.

"But since we are aiming to be overall champions, certain events may be dropped,” he told reporters after the Working Committee Meeting (JKK) 2026 at the NSC here today.

Muliyadi also said there was a need for increased funding to help boost athlete preparation, since the tennis squad has consistently delivered medals at every edition of the biennial Games.

The additional funding, he said, would be used to give the players international exposure, including participating in 15 to 20 tournaments annually to collect world ranking points.

He revealed that they have received an offer from the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation to undergo training there, although certain expenses will have to be borne by the national body.

"The one-month programme, involving five men and five women players, is expected to cost between RM60,000 and RM100,000, including flight tickets, accommodation, food, as well as allowances for coaches and players,” he said.

-- BERNAMA