At the heart of Malaysia’s sports development lies a vibrant and growing network of private grassroots community clubs.
In a system where the government or public sector undertakes a majority of sports development, it is heartening to see the existence of clubs at the base of our sports pyramid.
One shining example is the Kawan Athletics, which continues to elevate the local sporting scene through dedication, passion, and a forward-thinking approach. Last November, the club successfully hosted its 5th Annual International Tournament at Panasonic Stadium, Shah Alam, Selangor – a milestone event that underscored the importance of community-level sports in shaping the nation’s athletic future.
The tournament was a grassroots masterclass in organisation, driven by the club’s coaches, many of whom are former national athletes. Their hands-on involvement ensured that the event ran seamlessly, offering young athletes a competitive platform to showcase their skills. This transfer of knowledge from experienced athletes to the next generation is vital for nurturing future champions and fostering a love for sports from the ground up.
Its strong community roots saw the support of families and friends. A large, passionate crowd covering half of the stadium grandstand formed the bedrock of any development programme. This tournament was no different. From the time they arrived in droves at sunrise, everyone stayed until the end of the event at sunset.
The event also served as a golden opportunity for sponsors. With a high level of community engagement and a buzzing crowd, any sponsor would receive prominent visibility and interaction with the passionate local audience, reinforcing the value of supporting grassroots initiatives.
Events like these demonstrate how community-level sports can be mutually beneficial – providing much-needed funding for clubs while giving businesses a chance to engage with the community in deeper, meaningful ways. Deeper engagement would retain “top of mind” memory longer.
In addition to sponsorship, Kawan Athletics sold club merchandise to raise funds. This self-sustaining approach allows the club to reinvest in training, equipment, and future events, reducing reliance on public funding.
Complementing the sporting action was a lively array of food and beverage suppliers, adding to the festival atmosphere and making the event a community celebration, not just a competition.
It is interesting to note that Kawan Athletics is not just focused on hosting events at home. The club regularly tours and competes in age-group invitational tournaments abroad. This international exposure gives young Malaysian athletes invaluable experience and a broader perspective on global competition, enhancing their development and raising the country’s sporting profile.
The future of Malaysian sports development lies in the mushrooming of grassroots community clubs like Kawan Athletics. These privately driven initiatives reflect a shift towards self-reliance, where communities take ownership of their sports growth.
The tax incentives introduced by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in the last two budgets align perfectly with this movement by encouraging greater private investment and organisation. This helps reduce financial pressure on the government while simultaneously enlarging the base of grassroots development.
This evolving model of “by the community, for the community” allows public funds to be redirected toward big-ticket infrastructure projects and elite athlete development, ensuring a balanced and more sustainable pathway for the nation’s sports landscape.
Kawan Athletics’ 5th Annual International Tournament was not just a sporting event; it formed an integral part of any blueprint for the future of Malaysian sports. As more clubs follow suit in multiple sports, the dream of seeing home-grown talent rise to international prominence becomes increasingly achievable.
The journey to greatness starts at the grassroots, and with the right support, Malaysia’s next sporting icons could very well emerge from clubs like Kawan Athletics Club.
Main image: Kawan Athletics/Instagram
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
