PETALING JAYA: A former minister has called on the sports ministry to provide financial assistance to a private Malaysian karate team which tasted success at a recent international meet.
Competing at the French Karate International Open on May 8, the nine-member team dubbed the “Karate Kids” brought home a medal each, including what is believed to be the country’s first gold in a global meet.
The team from the International Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Sei-bu-kan Karate Do Association of Malaysia (IOSSKAM) had travelled on credit to Paris with the help of a local travel agency.
Former human resources minister M Kula Segaran said the ministry should step in with some form of monetary support for the karate exponents, especially in light of their plans to compete in tournaments in the US and Italy.
“It is only fair that the government pay tribute to these athletes for their winning mentality, determination, and excellence. The sports ministry must immediately look into ways to help them reach greater heights,” Kula said in a statement.
“The government should also look into assisting them in their dreams of competing in the US and Italy as they are still trying to raise funds.
“In fact, it should write off their expenses for the tournament in France after their amazing success.”
The Ipoh Barat MP also urged the ministry to be proactive in identifying talent in various fields to bring about equitable development of sports.
Describing the team’s feat in France as an “eye opener”, Kula said it was especially impressive that they managed to do so without any sponsorship from the ministry, government agencies or private organisations.
Apart from hosts France, the Malaysians went up against heavyweights such as Japan and Italy in the 12-country meet. - FMT
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