Sports Associations Urged To Prioritise Grassroots Development - Mordi

KUCHING, April 13 (Bernama) -- Sports associations at all levels have been urged to place a greater focus on grassroots development to ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the nation's future.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol said the ministry is committed to supporting this objective by working closely with sports bodies and backing their respective development strategies.

“Every sport is different, but the one commonality is the importance of grassroots development.

“Successful athletes do not appear out of thin air. They must have a strong foundation first, and this is where sports associations play a vital role,” he said after receiving a courtesy call from the Kuching Division Bodybuilding Association (KDBBA) here today.

Mordi noted that the KDBBA, for instance, has outlined a clear athlete development pathway, starting from the Mr Kuching competition and progressing to the state and national levels.

However, Mordi acknowledged the challenges faced by the bodybuilding community, particularly funding constraints when sending athletes to compete in national or international championships.

He added that such financial constraints could limit opportunities for high-performing athletes to gain the exposure they need at higher levels.

“During my working visits, I aim to gain a deeper understanding of the concerns faced by sports stakeholders, particularly in Sarawak. I give my assurance that these matters will be looked into and addressed,” he added.

-- BERNAMA