THE Race Walkers’ Association of Malaysia (RWAM) staged three junior race‑walking competitions across Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Melaka, drawing an impressive turnout and signalling growing grassroots momentum for the sport.
Across the three circuits, more than 600 junior walkers took part, underscoring rising school‑level interest and the steady expansion of structured development pathways nationwide.
The series opened with the first leg of the Junior Development Programme (JDP) 2026 at Stadium Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia in Sungai Besi, co‑organised with the Federal Territory Athletics Association (FTAA).
A total of 119 junior walkers competed, with participants from Klang Valley, Kedah, Terengganu and Pahang, reflecting widening national reach.
The programme was supported by official partner MKH Bhd and title sponsor Milo Malaysia, with FTAA president Datuk Seri Dr V. Pulainthiran officiating the prize-giving ceremony.
Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd head of sports marketing (Milo) Lim Kerwin said the brand’s continued involvement reflected its long‑term commitment to youth development.
“We believe in nurturing young talents through sport by providing platforms that encourage active lifestyles, discipline and perseverance,” said Lim.
“Events like these play an important role in developing future athletes from the grassroots level,” he added.
The JDP circuit will continue with its next legs on Aug 8 and Nov 7, forming part of RWAM’s long‑term athlete development pipeline.
In the northern region, the second circuit of the Milo Penang Junior Walking Championship was held at Penang City Stadium, attracting 129 junior walkers across Boys’ and Girls’ Under‑12, Under‑15, Under‑18 and Open categories.
Co‑organised with the Penang Amateur Athletic Association, the event received strong support from teachers, parents and state sports officials.
The final circuit will take place on June 24.
Further south, the second circuit of the Milo Melaka Junior Walking Championship at IPGM Kampus Perempuan Melayu Melaka recorded the largest turnout, with 357 junior walkers from primary and secondary schools competing in Under‑9, Under‑12 and Under‑18 categories.
The event was co‑organised with the Melaka Education Department, with technical support from Malaysian Athletics Technical Officials and the Melaka Athletics Association, ensuring professionally-run races.
RWAM secretary Yap Woon How said the strong participation across all three states reflected a promising direction for the sport.
“The response across Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Melaka is very encouraging.
“It shows that race walking is gaining traction at the school level and, more importantly, that young athletes are beginning to see it as a serious competitive discipline,” said the national association secretary.
Yap added that sustained collaboration between schools, state associations and corporate partners would be crucial to maintaining this growth.
Echoing this sentiment RWAM deputy president Khoo Chong Beng said with the right ecosystem – strong school support, committed coaches and a consistent competition structure – Malaysia could continue to produce competitive race walkers from the grassroots.
He emphasised that ongoing partnerships with schools and sponsors remain central to strengthening the junior development pathway and identifying future talent.
