TAWAU: The Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Ministry (KPBKSEK) is prepared to support efforts to revive Sabah volleyball and is open to discussions with the Sabah Volleyball Association (Sava) to address logistical challenges and improve team and player quality.
Its Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, said the ministry remains committed to providing financial assistance through annual grants to state sports associations that demonstrate strong commitment and achieve outstanding results.
“Logistical or funding constraints should not be a major issue as KPBKSEK assesses such matters on a case-by-case basis, and associations or clubs wishing to organise activities may submit funding applications for consideration,” he said.
He said this after officiating the Tawau District Open Volleyball Championship, organised by Kelab Danakan Bumiputera Tawau, at the Tawau Sports Complex on Saturday, which attracted 24 teams comprising 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams from Tawau, Kunak, Semporna and Lahad Datu.
Nizam acknowledged that while Sabah volleyball had previously contributed medals at the Malaysia Games (Sukma), the team’s performance had declined in recent years, resulting in its placement in Category B for national competitions.
“Sports placed in Category B will be upgraded to Category A if they achieve the targeted medals, and all expenses incurred by the association will be reimbursed by the ministry,” he said.
He said district-level volleyball tournaments should continue to be supported as a competitive platform to identify new talents with the potential to progress to state and national levels.
Nizam said consistent organisation of volleyball tournaments would not only help Sabah produce future representatives for the State but also promote greater community awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for physical and mental well-being.
On preparations for the upcoming Sukma in August, he said Sabah is now in the final phase of identifying athletes with medal potential for the Games.
“With only two months remaining before the competition, the ministry is actively narrowing the long list of athletes to a final squad to ensure medal targets can be achieved, as Sabah will compete in at least 28 sports, including compulsory and optional events,” he said.
