UPGRADING work to transform the Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz Sports Complex into the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy is expected to be completed within three months.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh stated that the RM6 million project will establish the venue as Asia’s most comprehensive sepak takraw training centre.
She explained that upgrading the existing building represents a more efficient and cost-saving approach than constructing a new facility.
The academy will feature integrated facilities including athlete accommodation, a gymnasium, learning rooms and training courts.
This marks the first exclusive sepak takraw academy in Asia and potentially the world according to the minister.
Yeoh highlighted Malaysia’s position as a heritage sports leader in the region through this initiative.
The ministry has allocated significant funding for sepak takraw development through various schemes in recent years.
Funding included RM9 million in 2023, RM8 million in 2024 and RM6 million allocated for the current year.
The RM6 million project budget allocates RM5.5 million for infrastructure upgrades and RM500,000 for facilities and equipment.
The ministry welcomes sponsorship opportunities for academy naming rights due to sepak takraw’s substantial viewership potential. – Bernama
