Credit : YB Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari's X
PUTRAJAYA, November 4, 2026 – The Cabinet Committee on Sports Development (JKPS) has approved a proposal to hold a new National Sports Games for athletes under 21 and agreed to implement a National Sports Talent Plan (MyTP), the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) said on Wednesday.
In a media statement shared on its official X account, the ministry said the sixth meeting of the JKPS, No. 1 of 2026, was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and strengthened the direction of the country’s sports by giving priority to talent development, continuity in athlete performance and overall policy coordination.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari attended the meeting, together with Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol, KBS Secretary-General Datuk Rahimi Ismail and Deputy Secretary-General (Management) Abdullah Hasan.
Bridging the gap after SUKMA
The ministry said one of the meeting’s main achievements was the approval of the proposal to organise the Temasya Sukan Kebangsaan (National Sports Games) as a competition platform “to bridge the athlete development gap after the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), focusing on athletes under 21” (translated from Malay).
The meeting also agreed to implement MyTP “to create a more planned, integrated and continuous talent development pathway” (translated from Malay).
In addition, the committee took note of the status of the Talent Development Programme for eight non-core sports disciplines and a report on the implementation of the Uniformed Bodies Programme, as part of efforts to widen opportunities for participation and talent development.
Motorsport, MotoGP and Le Tour de Langkawi
On motorsport, the meeting discussed the implementation and potential collaboration on organising Formula 1 Qatar at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), which the ministry said is still at the planning stage. It said further assessment must take into account the suitability of implementation, the sustainability of financing and the economic benefits to the country.
The committee also discussed the hosting of the MotoGP World Championship in Malaysia, with emphasis on sustainable organisation, benefits to the sports industry, potential economic returns and strengthening Malaysia’s image as a destination for international sporting events.
It further discussed a proposal to set up a special committee with the Deputy Prime Minister to study and review the direction and organising model of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), focusing on governance, financing, the effectiveness of organisation, the involvement of strategic partners, and its economic and tourism impact.
E-sports, 20 core sports and school combat sports
The JKPS also turned its attention to e-sports athletes who are building their potential at competitive level, saying support for talent development, training and opportunities to take part in championships must be strengthened so that the country’s e-sports athletes can develop in an organised and competitive way.
The meeting considered a proposal to set 20 core sports as a strategic step to give national sports development a sharper focus, so that athlete planning, talent identification, facilities, coaching and the allocation of resources can be carried out more systematically based on each sport’s potential and national priorities.
To ensure pupils can take part in combat sports, the committee discussed the need to classify combat sports disciplines in schools, giving priority to pupils’ age and physical development, coaches’ qualifications, competition rules and injury risk management.
It also examined the coordination of athletics and swimming development within the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) ecosystem, focusing on the continuity of talent development from school to higher education institutions and on to national level, through cooperation between KPT, KBS and the relevant sports bodies.
Review of athletes’ rewards
The meeting raised the need to review the rates of prize money and rewards for athletes, including considering additional incentives for those who succeed at international championships, which the ministry said is important to recognise achievements, increase motivation and support athletes’ welfare.
Overall, the JKPS stressed the importance of integrated action across ministries, agencies, educational institutions and sports bodies so that every policy is translated into real development opportunities for athletes. KBS said it will coordinate follow-up action to ensure the national sports ecosystem remains “inclusive, safe, competitive and sustainable” (translated from Malay).
Source: https://x.com/KBSMalaysia/status/2117937758333468997, https://x.com/KBSMalaysia/status/2117948164217135579, https://x.com/KBSMalaysia/status/2117948176401666191, https://x.com/KBSMalaysia/status/2117948182336553187
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