Three-time Olympian Yuan Yufang fears for the future of race walking in Malaysia.
Once a proud nation that produced champions like G. Saravanan and V. Subramaniam, Malaysia has struggled in recent years to unearth new stars.
Yuan said one of the main reasons for the decline is the lack of interest among youths.
“We need to find a way to make race walking something young people want to do. I see many taking part in fun runs, but there are hardly any walking events, apart from the upcoming ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2025’,” said Yuan.
She was referring to the event jointly organised by the National Press Club Malaysia (NPC) and the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA).
“I’m excited about ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2025’ as there are several competitive categories – from juniors to veterans – as well as a fun walk.
“Malaysia needs more of such events to attract young people to race walking. We have a history of producing champions. When the time is right, I might consider going into coaching,” she added.
Yuan is among several Olympians set to show their support at the event on May 24 at Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur.
Others include former national sprinter Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, ex-national hurdler and president of the Malaysia Olympians Association Noraseela Khalid, and former national race walker Annastasia Karen Raj.
The objectives of ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2025’ are to promote walking as a lifestyle and unearth new talent, especially among young walkers.
Like last year’s edition, ‘Jom Jalan with NPC’ is divided into two categories – a 10km competitive walk with several sub-categories, and a 5km fun walk.
The 10km categories are Open Men’s, Open Women’s, Boys’ and Girls’ (aged 13-17), and Veterans (aged 40 and above). The 5km fun walk is open to all.
The Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Education Departments have expressed support for school students to participate.
FTKLAA hopes to spot talented walkers ahead of next year’s Malaysia Games in Selangor.
Yuan, who competed in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Olympic Games, stressed that Malaysia Athletics needs to cast its net wider.
“One way is to organise more race walking events. They should go to the schools, too, to promote the sport,” she said.
“With a little more effort, Malaysia can return to its former glory in walking.”
To register for ‘Jom Jalan with NPC 2025’ visit CheckPointSpot, RaceRoster or RaceXAsia.
