Track and field gaining traction among youths

© Provided by SMG Business Services Sdn Bhd. SJKC Yoke Nam students won the Boys’ 4x100m relay event with CWTF A coming in second and SK TTDI in third place.

Over 400 participants from 22 groups consisting of primary schools and running clubs were involved in a one-day meet at the National Sports Council training track in Bukit Jalil.

The development programme was organised by the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Athletics Association (FTKLAA) with the cooperation of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur School Sports Council (MSSWP) and the Federal Territory Sports Council.

The meet saw the same eight track and field events competed in the Malaysia School Sports Council (MSSM) games held, specifically to introduce track and field events to those aged between nine and 12.

FTKLAA president Datuk S. Vegiyathuman, who was present to oversee the proceedings, said the association has always remained focused on developing athletes for track and field events.

“We are just doing our part to help out where we can,” he said.

“The grass-roots development programme is to give the primary school pupils a platform where they can have their first meet outside of school.

“Besides introducing them to the meet, one main purpose for us is to take note of the ones with potential to help MSSWP to identify and select them to be groomed as future athletes,” he said.

© Provided by SMG Business Services Sdn Bhd. S. Mallwinder (right) won the 1,500m middle distance event.

S. Mallwinder (right) won the 1,500m middle distance event.

He said the meet also served as a platform to prepare youths for the ongoing MSSWP as well.

Before the FTKLAA’s development programme, the nine to 12-year-old group would normally only have school-level competitions.

However, this changed when it was introduced four years ago and because of it, athletics has seen slow but steady growth in interest from schools and parents alike.

He said athletics in Kuala Lumpur had seen a decline in the past few years but has been picking up again, especially among primary school children.

“We noticed that there was a need for this competition among this age group and we are very pleased to see that the parents themselves have been supportive in sending their children.

“The 100m, race walking and relay events are proving to be very popular.

“There has also been more participation from schools and clubs over the last few years so it is definitely a sign of improvement,” he said.

Just a day earlier, over 400 athletes in the 13 and above age group took part in the FTKLAA Throws, Jumps and Under Distance event to gauge the readiness and training progress of athletes at that point in time.

© Provided by SMG Business Services Sdn Bhd. Vegiyathuman says it is good to see parents being supportive in encouraging their children at the meets.

Vegiyathuman says it is good to see parents being supportive in encouraging their children at the meets.

“That was to see whether those athletes have their fitness and conditioning up to par as they look towards further competitions,” he added.

Vegiyathuman said other areas identified by the FTKLAA for development is in the middle and long distances (800m, 1500m and 5000m) events and it has also introduced three circuits for budding athletes this year.

A total of three circuits are now incorporated in their meets but the first circuit held earlier this month had received only lukewarm response with just 18 entries from four schools and two clubs.

“Many athletes are not aware that we have come up with a programme that is open to anyone but we are only offering Federal Territory athletes cash awards for those that improve on the third placing times of the last Sukma Games,” he said.

He said many new programmes are in the pipeline to drive development towards Sukma achievements next year. However, funding has yet to come from the relevant bodies. The next meet in June will cater to the Under-15 age group.