Selangor state government is in talks with Muay Thai star Jojo Ghazali to develop a dedicated training hub and promote the sport’s grassroots growth
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor state government is ready to collaborate with professional Muay Thai athlete Johan ‘Jojo’ Ghazali to strengthen the sport’s development.
State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said a meeting with the 19-year-old athlete opened the door to preliminary discussions.
“He expressed his intention and commitment to play a more active role in developing Muay Thai on a broader scale,” Mohd Najwan told reporters.
Jojo shared his training experience in Bangkok and put forward several proposals to help drive the sport’s development in Selangor.
Mohd Najwan said Jojo is currently training full-time in Thailand due to a lack of facilities and coaching expertise in Malaysia.
“He raised the need to explore the establishment of a dedicated hub or training centre for Muay Thai athletes in Selangor.”
According to Jojo, many promising athletes train in small clubs without access to large-scale facilities.
The athlete also offered to serve as a spokesperson for Muay Thai, leveraging his growing influence among youth.
Mohd Najwan welcomed the offer, noting athletes like Jojo can help expand grassroots development.
“The state government will consider potential synergies and forms of collaboration that could be explored with him.”
No timeline has been set as the meeting was an initial session, but follow-up actions are planned for next year.
Muay Thai enjoys strong support and can instil discipline through a professional approach, he added.
Jojo visited the office yesterday with his parents to discuss plans to boost Muay Thai in Malaysia and Selangor. – Bernama
