Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (back row, eighth from left ) with MAF officials, national athletes and guests during the sponsorship signing ceremony on Petaling Jaya on Oct 25 - FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) received a shot in the arm to further revive athletics in the country when they received a massive three-year sponsorship deal worth RM5mil from Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad CMSB on Wednesday.
The three-year deal (2023-2025) will help the MAF focus on the development of their elite athletes in their quest to focus on Olympic qualification next year and to excel in other international events as well as boost the grassroots programme at state level.
The encouraging performance of several athletes, namely sprinter Mohd Azeem Fahmi and quarter-miler Shereen Samson Vallabouy who secured bronze medals at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last month, was also possibly the catalyst for the Sarawakian conglomerate to step in as sponsors.
Malaysia also did well to win a bronze medal in the women’s 4x100m relay to cap a decent performance at the Asiad for more than two decades.
Azeem and Shereen won the men’s 100m and women’s 400m bronzes respectively in Hangzhou.
CMSB is an investment holding company and is also involved in different business sectors in the country.
The main focus of the MAF will be to financially back elite and rising athletes to raise their performance by maintaining a high level of professionalism and dominance on the world stage as well as look after their overall well-being and health.
MAF president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was grateful for CMSB to come on board as sponsors.
"I thank CMSB for offering such a huge contribution as it will help us greatly to develop our athletes to achieve greater feats," said Shahidan.
"The funding will greatly aid us not only in supporting our elite athletes but also to help us scout and nurture young talents."
CMSB group chairman General (rtd) Tan Sri Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin said that their collaboration with the MAF is another proof of their commitment to elevate the sporting landscape of the country.
"We are glad to join hands with MAF in harnessing the athletes’ performance and propelling them onto the international stage and improving Malaysia’s results in athletics."
