Shamsul Anuar says the sport will boost sports tourism. — Filepic
PERAK is set to become the centre of attention for elite extreme sports teams as it gears up to host the Lenggong Ironbound Expedition A1 Asia World Cup 2024 from Nov 22 to 25.
Championship director Shamsuri Abd Latif said the tournament, now in its 13th edition, would feature new elements to attract more international participants to the state.
He said the championship is officially listed on the A1 Nationwide (Australia) international calendar and has received international approval from the World Obstacle Federation (Fiso – Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles) that is based in the US.
“Malaysia has been granted the honour of hosting the A1 Asia World Cup series following the European and Oceania stages, making this the third stage in the Asian region.
“The team that wins the event in Lenggong will automatically qualify for the A1 World Cup Final 2025, set to take place in France in August next year,” he told a press conference in Ipoh, Perak.
Also present was Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah who is Lenggong MP, as reported by Bernama.
Shamsuri said the championship, organised by the Malaysia Orienteering Academy, is being held in Lenggong for the third time.
This extreme sports competition features a 48-hour non-stop team race with four participants per team.
Over 30 teams have registered.
He added the event included orienteering, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, high ropes, cave exploration, trail running, and jungle trekking, all navigated using maps and compass.
Countries that have confirmed participation include the US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, India, the UK and Malaysia.
Shamsul Anuar said the sport’s success would enhance Perak and Malaysia’s reputation while boosting sports tourism.
