Youths competing in the Perak Esports Championship last November. Currently, the association is training 23 athletes for Sukma. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
THE Perak Esports Association is hoping the state will provide it a suitable spot to set up a training academy.
The association received a RM1mil allocation from the Youth and Sports Ministry last year for the purpose but is awaiting news of a proper location.
Muhammad Naim says many parents now see a future in esports for their children.
Association president Muhammad Naim Al Amin Saharudin said currently Penang was the only state to have an esports cabin to carry out social electronic gaming activities.
“I want Perak to be a step ahead by not only having an esports cabin but also an academy to train athletes for local and international tournaments.
“Currently, esports athletes nationwide who take part in Sukma and SEA Games train at a private organisation in Johor. Our local athletes now train at the association’s office at a shoplot in Sunway, Ipoh.”
Muhammad Naim said the state had agreed to provide some space within a velodrome in Ipoh but he was hoping that an unused government bungalow could be transformed into the academy.
“We will have to pay a fee to the Ipoh City Council to use the velodrome.
“I hope by the middle of next year, the academy will be up and running,” he said, adding that the association was registered in 2019.
That same year, the association held its first selection programmes for Perak athletes to participate in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, Philippines.
He said the state was also providing the association with a special allocation to develop the sport.
“We organised many tournaments to give people who usually just play at home to come out and mingle with the other athletes.”
Muhammad Naim added that initially they encountered parents who were reluctant to let their children take up gaming but after success in tournaments, they now see a future in esports.
The association has 25 members, 12 affiliated members, and 23 athletes training for the next Sukma.
Athlete Muhammad Azim Ratin, 20, who is studying civil engineering at a polytechnic, started playing games at a cyber cafe at 12.
“My parents were unhappy about this but when I was in Form Four, I won my first tournament and earned RM2,100.
“Seeing that I was able to earn an income, they allowed me to carry on,” said Muhammad Azim who hopes to be chosen for Sukma.
Another Sukma hopeful is Ahmad Harfin Rosli, 22, who works at a gaming and gadget shop.
“I have won some tournaments and my parents support me all the way,” he said.
