KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh is encouraging eligible national sports bodies, athletes, and teams to apply for the National Sports Trust Fund (KWASN), which aims to support participation in national and international events.
In a Facebook post, Yeoh said the grant is open to individual athletes, sports teams, and organisers, including independent athletes not affiliated with a sports body.
“It’s designed to help athletes compete in international competitions and improve their rankings,” she said.
So far, KWASN has approved 54 programmes, with RM1.65 million disbursed to support athletes and events.
“This is a testament to our sustained commitment to national sporting talent,” she said.
Yeoh said she was inspired by 15-year-old Sophia Zara Mustaffa Kamal, the youngest female race track athlete from Subang Jaya, who exemplifies the kind of potential the fund aims to support.
“Sophia’s passion and determination show what young talents can achieve with the right support. I believe Malaysia has a bright future if we continue investing in them,” she said.
KWASN offers up to RM500,000 for international events and RM200,000 for national events.
To qualify, events must be sanctioned by a national sports association.
International events must involve foreign participants and have Section 33 approval under Act 576, while national events must feature representation from multiple states.
Eligible applicants include:
-Organisers of national/international sports tournaments
-NGOs recognised by the Sports Commissioner’s Office
-Athletes backed by a sports body
-Independent athletes applying directly
More information is available at www.kbs.gov.my/utama-kwasn.html.
-TheStar