Muay Thai governing body needs to be more active
Development programme for athletes in the sport is currently driven more by private clubs than by the governing body and state associations.
The National Sports Council (MSN) wants the Malaysian Muay Thai Association (PMM) to be more proactive in efforts to organise various domestic championships to produce quality fighters.
Deputy Director-General (Sports Development), Jefri Ngadirin, said that the development programme for athletes in the sport is currently driven more by private clubs than by the governing body and state associations.
Therefore, he said, more structured championships need to be intensified through collaboration between state associations and clubs to ensure the systematic development of the sport.
"In reality, we see that the development of Muay Thai is carried out by clubs. This is because some state associations are active, while others are not.
"So, we hope that state associations will organise more structured competitions, and the development of coaches needs to be done more systematically. Currently, not many coaches have high-level certifications.
"The governing body must play a key role in framing many plans. Therefore, it is their responsibility to ensure that state associations actively organise championships and competitions. From there, we will be able to achieve results for the future," he stated.
He said this in response to the suggestion by Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Kuda Merah Club coach,Mohamad Ridhwan Mat Zain for Muay Thai to be strengthened to produce more quality fighters for international platforms.
He said that although the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and MSN have played a role, it is not enough; instead, it requires more active involvement from the state Muay Thai associations under the Malaysian Muay Thai Association (PMM).
Jefri said that Muay Thai had competed in the Sea Games and was one of the contributors to the country's contingent medals.
Furthermore, he said, the government allocated funds to be channelled to associations to organise various championships.
"There are three funds that sports associations can obtain. First, sports matching grants, while the other two are through area allocations and through MSN. So associations need to be creative in organising many championships and coaching courses," he said.
