A boost for Malaysian Indian athletes

The Sports Ministry has endorsed the newly formed Malaysian Indian Sports and Cultural Foundation (MISCF).

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin launched the MISCF in Putrajaya, said the formation of the foundation was timely as there was a decline in participation of Indian sportsmen and sportswomen.

“The Malaysian Indians had played an active role in the country’s development in sports.

“It has dwindled over the years. It is disheartening as Dr Annathurai, in his blue print, has revealed all the facts on Malaysian Indians representation in the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and SEA Games.

“It has come to almost zero.

“Tan Sri Dr Mani Jegathesan, M. Kumaresan, S. Kuhan, the late R. Arumugam and Datuk M. Rajamani had brought cheers to Malaysians. Unfortunately the situation has changed over the years.

“At the last Malaysia Games, in Kangar, there was no Malaysian Indian athlete - be it men or women - in the top 10.

“We would like to see a change and the MISCF must make all efforts to encourage more Indians to contribute to Malaysian sports.

“The MISCF has produced a detailed blue print. The sports ministry will give their support to MISCF to see that the blue print becomes a reality.

“It is not an easy task. MISCF have an enthusiastic leader in Datuk. T. Mohan.

“He is committed to the task and has already started programmes,’’ said Khairy.

MISCF chairman Datuk T. Mohan said they had initiated several programmes to encourage and motivate youngsters to be active in sports.

“We have organised coaching clinics for football, hockey and badminton. Several former prominent former sports personalties like Dr. A, Annathurai, Datuk A. Vaithilingam and Datuk G. Vijayanathan are members in the MISCF advisory panel.

“Their expert advise will always be considered when implementing the blue print. We also look forward to financial support from the sport ministry as well as the Indian community.

“Our aim is to play a role in the development of sports. We would like to see more Indians representing Malaysia in the sports.

“Getting the youth involved in sports will reduce social problems.

“In other words, MISCF shoulders a national service by being a feeder entity for other national sports associations,’’ said Mohan.

Several former internationals including Dr Jegathesan, Rajamani, Kumaresan, Annastasia Karen Raj, M. Ramachandran, Thamboo Krishnan, Datuk K. Rajagopal and S. Sabapathy were also present at the launch.

Mohan said they would be pleased to welcome any advise or proposal from the former internationals to revive the golden era of Indians in the sporting field.