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TAWAU: The Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy Ministry (KPBKSEK) is prepared to support efforts to restore Sabah volleyball’s standing, including holding discussions with the Sabah Volleyball Association (SAVA) to address logistical challenges and improve team and player quality.

Its Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (pic) said the ministry remains committed to providing annual grants to state sports associations that demonstrate strong commitment and achieve commendable results.

He said logistical or funding constraints should not be a major issue as KPBKSEK considers requests on a case-by-case basis, while associations and clubs seeking to organise activities may apply for funding for consideration.

Nizam said Sabah’s volleyball team, once a medal contributor at the Malaysia Games (Sukma), has seen a decline in performance in recent years and is currently placed in Category B for national participation, although teams that achieve targeted medals can regain Category A status and qualify for reimbursement of association expenses by the ministry.

He also said district-level volleyball tournaments should continue to be supported as a platform to identify new talent and noted that Sabah is in the final stage of narrowing its list of athletes ahead of the Sukma in August, with the State expected to compete in at least 28 sports.