ISKANDAR Puteri has what it takes to host more international sports events in line with Johor’s move to make Johor Baru a sports hub this year.
Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said some of the sports facilities were on par with international venues and should be used to train young athletes.
“We need more exposure, so we should encourage local sports associations to organise more competitions not only at the state level but also internationally.
“For example, Velodrome Iskandar Puteri is an important venue for cycling, including extreme BMX sports,” he noted.
He was speaking during the Golden Gloves Boxing Competition at Educity Sports Complex in Iskandar Puteri.
The competition was launched by Iskandar Puteri mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad.
Pandak said sporting venues in Iskandar Puteri had produced athletes who represented both Johor and the country.
Meanwhile, Mohd Haffiz pointed out that the iconic Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, which is home to the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football team, was also in Iskandar Puteri.
“As the responsible local authority, we want to ensure all our sports facilities are in good condition and used to nurture talents that can represent the country.
“We also have Arena Emas in Taman Impian Emas with facilities for squash, archery, petanque and lawn bowls.
“These facilities proved their worth as Johor managed to bag more than 70 gold medals during Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2022,” he said, adding that Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) would continue to play a role in nurturing local talents.
Separately, Johor Boxing Association president Muhamad Farkhan Mohd Haron said Golden Gloves Boxing Competition was organised to help local fighters prepare mentally and physically for Sukma 2024 to be held in Sarawak from Aug 17 to 24.
“The boxing competition managed to attract 233 participants from 13 states, teams from the Armed Forces as well as two teams from Indonesia and Singapore.
“This is a new record compared to last year’s competition in Terengganu which attracted 202 athletes,” he said.
He added that 80% of participants were new boxing talents.
The competition was jointly organised by Johor Boxing Association, Malaysia Boxing Association, MBIP, and Johor Sports Council (MSNJ).
