Hannah to meet PGNT to find a solution to gymnasts asked to join wushu

KUALA LUMPUR - The Youth and Sports Ministry will meet the Terengganu Gymnastics Association (PGNT) to find a solution to the issue of women gymnasts in PAS-led Terengganu asked to compete in wushu in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) next year.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the meeting is to discuss the best option for gymnasts in the state since the state government remains adamant about barring gymnasts from taking part in gymnastics during the Sukma.

"I have contacted PGNT president Abdul Razak Mat Amin to see how we can assist in resolving the issue through the National Sports Council (NSC). We want to see youths involved in whatever sports they want to and dress code should not be a stumbling block,” she said after opening the Petrina Cup Gymnastics Championships to be held at the Titiwangsa Stadium, from Oct 15.

The state government came up with the controversial Entertainment, Cultural Performances, Tourism and Sports guideline in March 2020 that recommended what Muslim and non-Muslim athletes and performers should and should not wear.

Following the restriction, Terengganu will not compete in gymnastics during the 2024 SUKMA hosted by Sarawak.

Speaking of the Petrina Cup, which is being held in the country for the first time, has attracted participation from 10 countries and will feature about 600 participants, including from Azerbaijan, China, Egypt, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Hannah said the post of the NSC director-general which fell vacant after the retirement of Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail, will be filled soon.

"We hope to get the appointment done as soon as possible by end of this month or next month,” she said.

Ahmad Shapawi retired on Sept 28, after serving the council for 35 years. - BERNAMA