IN a conversation with a top sports administrator recently, we somehow ended up talking about investment losses amounting to RM43.9mil suffered by Khazanah and PNB in FashionValet.
It’s a huge number. Yet, some had the gall to call it “minor”, and casually too.
Imagine that amount invested in sports – so much more could have been achieved.
Let’s take cycling for instance.
The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said they require at least RM2mil annually to enhance the performance of the national road cycling squad.
If we don’t invest, we can’t expect cyclists like Azizulhasni Awang to drop from the sky.
Azizulhasni made the country proud for decades by winning a bronze and silver at the Olympic Games. He has retired but who will rise to take up the mantle?
We have a few cyclists doing well but they are not on par with Azizul yet. Even technical expert John Beasley is already looking at grooming future riders.
Producing these stars takes time, and it needs lots of money and good facilities too. We currently have one world-class indoor cycling track in Nilai but the one in Ipoh needs revival.
In a report by StarSport in May, we called for the Youth and Sports Ministry to restore the Ipoh Velodrome that has been lying idle for six years.
The ministry did allocate RM11mil for the refurbishment of the 250m timber track in 2016 after it was shut down in 2013. But it was unfortunately closed again in 2018 as the timber track sustained damage due to exposure to the elements.
“We were given a guarantee that the wood would be in good condition for 20 years. But now it has already deteriorated to the point that even the Perak riders are unable to train,” Amarjit said then.
He pleaded again to the ministry to refurbish the velodrome, and it looks like they may get the aid this time.
It will be good to have another velodrome where young athletes, especially those from the northern region, can use as their training base.
Cycling is not the only sport that has been calling out for financial support.
Badminton runs on a RM50mil budget a year; football is even bigger. Then, there is hockey, squash, diving, gymnastics, athletics and many more.
The hosting of the SEA Games in 2027 will cost RM700mil.
Investment in sports can reap dividends as it has huge potential for growth, improves economy, cultivates a healthy lifestyle and brings honours for the country through the athletes’ success in the local and international stages.
But the money has to be invested wisely.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh is answerable for the millions spent on the National Sports Associations and athletes under the Road to Gold through its arm, the National Sports Council (NSC).
She knows that with the budget she has, not all can benefit from it. She has to make wise decisions on who to spend the money on, rather than trying to accommodate all.
Some have to stand on their own feet or gain support from corporate bodies. She has been encouraging corporate bodies to play their part while promising tax exemptions.
It is only fair that when money is invested on the athletes and NSAs, the recipients should be accountable for it. Hannah has also called for accountability from the stakeholders.
In professional football, for instance, one has to take responsibility.
Take Manchester United for instance – their manager Erik ten Hag was sacked for poor results and Ruben Amorim has been named as the replacement.
In Malaysia, those who usually get sacked or axed are coaches and players. The council members should also own up for their poor decision-making process and leave if they continue to deliver poor results.
That’s why I like what the Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said recently after handing over more than RM500,000 to the state’s athletes who won medals at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak and 2024 Paris Olympics.
He said the heads of sports associations in the state who fail to perform or produce results should move aside to make way for new leadership so that more talented athletes can be discovered. They should not go to waste due to the inefficiency of the association or their leadership.
Sports is about fair play, teamwork, unity – and it teaches many more good values. It will be a good partnership if corporate companies can invest in sports.
If everyone can keep their part of the bargain, and perform their duties with integrity, there will not be any losses – whether it’s the investor’s money or in terms of the players’ performances.
