KUCHING: Community support is essential for the development of young muay thai athletes’ future success.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu has highlighted the vital role of community support in developing young athletes.
“If you love something, you immerse yourself in it, using your experiences to grow both personally and economically.
It’s essential for us to unite as a community,” he remarked.
Rentap stressed that success in sports is a collective effort where everyone including the athletes’ parents have a role to play.
“Everyone has a part to play. I notice that whenever there’s a fight, the entire family comes out to support the athlete.
“Sports thrive on spirit, and family backing is crucial. Without community support, our sports would struggle to flourish,” he explained.
Rentap was addressing a press conference on Discover Muaythai Academy Batch 2024 at Rentap Muay Thai Gym on Thursday. He also pointed out on the benefits of muay thai, a sport that fosters discipline.
“With that discipline and experience, you stay focused; it can even become a business.
If we develop young athletes with talent and knowledge, they can achieve successful growth,” he said.
Furthermore, Rentap then emphasised on the importance of exposing young muay thai athletes to competitions, which helps them envision their future. “As you mentioned, you can become a coach, or even own your own gym.
This is vital. However, you also need the technical aspects.
“Engage these athletes more and help them see their future.
There are three key things you can offer them – firstly to be a muay thai athlete; secondly, to receive an education; and thirdly, to have a way to live their lives,” he said.
He noted that these are life principles where if you love something, you learn it and use your experiences to grow personally and economically.
Also at the press conference were Malaysia Muay Thai Association president Datuk Shahnaz Azmi and Co-Founder and CEO of Discover Muay Thai Imran Harith and Rentap Muay Thai Club co-owner Jennana Johnson.
