Batu Mp Offers To Sponsor Former Terengganu Gymnasts

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Batu MP P Prabakaran has offered sponsorship to former Terengganu female gymnasts if they still want to participate in tournaments.
He said this was to help the athletes after the state government forbade their participation over issues related to their attire.
"If they still continue the sport and need support to participate in any tournament, I am ready to help.
"I will try to sponsor their needs," Prabakaran (above) told Malaysiakini today while commenting on the portal’s numerous reports on the issue involving the athletes.
It was also reported that Terengganu Youth Development, Sports and NGO Exco Hishamuddin Abdul Karim raised the Guidelines for Entertainment, Cultural Performances, Tourism and State Sports which were launched in March 2020.
Discussing this in the recent state assembly session, Hishamuddin said the guidelines include Muslim athletes dressing in “syariah-friendly” attire, such as covering sensitive areas, while also being polite and appropriate to the sport they are participating in.
When met after the session, he said the state government stood by the decision to ban female athletes from participating in gymnastics due to tight clothing and the possible showing off of their body shape.
"We hope all parties respect our position. We don't hate the sport but to allow female athletes to come out (participate) in such a situation is not appropriate,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Following that, Terengganu's gymnasts had to choose another sport, namely wushu.
Even the sole non-Muslim female gymnast withdrew from representing Terengganu with the absence of her teammates as a key factor.
‘Come up with SOP’
Prabakaran also criticised the actions of the Terengganu government which is seen as closing the space and opportunity for a fairer solution to the issue.
He urged the state government to come up with a standard operating procedure (SOP) for syariah-compliant women athletes, similar to the steps taken by athletes in other countries.
"I think the Terengganu government should prepare a SOP that complies with syariah involving the athletes, instead of a direct ban that will bury the talent and future of the athletes.
"In the field of sports, they have a bright future and should be given the best possible opportunity to develop their talent and potential," he said. - Mkini

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